I have been to Hollywood, California. I have seen the iconic white letters – H O L L Y W O O D – on the side of its barren Californian hill. American is good at promoting celebrity and fame. Our movie, music, and magazine industry is the best in the world.

Unfortunately, this is affecting Craig in rural Dalton, Georgia. I fight being unhappy when I am not a celebrity or famous. Maybe its because I am an American or just human but I often believe I am not successful unless I achieve stardom.

I am coming to realize the desire for stardom is not limited to movies and music. Business has its stars like Steve Jobs of Apple, journalism has stars of Bill O’Reilly and Anderson Cooper, and sports has stars named Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning. The church world also has stars of Bill Hybels, James Dobson, and John Maxwell.

When I was on the Bing search site today it said, ‘See Stars – Get the Latest Celebrity News’. I secretly want my name to be in that list. I want it to be for something I have done for God but I want the whole world to know. Do you ever think this? I hope not, because it’s a torment that keeps you from enjoying life.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

If you struggle with stardom and think you are a failure when you don’t experience it I want to encourage you. You are a success when you are doing what God has asked you to do. God often allows people in the Church, business, sports, etc. to achieve celebrity status because He needs to get a message out. But if He doesn’t bring celebrity status to you it doesn’t mean you are any less of one in His eyes, far from the truth.

You are making a difference right now. Your business may not be Apple but your employees love working with a godly employer / supervisor. They love being appreciated and your effort to make their environment the best possible. You are advancing the kingdom right where you are!

I love John Maxwell’s ministry on becoming a better leader. I subscribed to his teaching of the month for 10 years. I own many of his books. He has greatly influenced my leadership. As much as I may desire celebrity status, I want more for Jesus to tell me, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Remember, it takes faithfulness to do what you are called to do when no one else sees it. I think the ultimate test of leadership is leading a small church or small business well because it’s the right thing to do. You do it because it’s who you are on the inside even if no one ever notices it. I salute you today. You are my hero.

James Dobson has had a huge impact on my parenting. He is a celebrity and we may not be. But I am learning this, it’s hard to consistently love and train your children day in and day out for 20 years! Those of you doing this to the best of your ability may not be celebrities in the world but you are celebrities to those children and to God. You will hear, “well done good and faithful servant.” Your reward will be great!

I love Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, Peter Furler, and Misty Edwards. They are popular celebrities in the Christian music world. But at Relationship Church we have some of the best worshippers and song writers I know. They bring people into the presence of God! They may never get a record contract but they are important to me and others. They are as anointed as anything I have see in a movie, magazine, or music album.

God has placed you where are because your part of the world needs you, really needs you. God needs you to give them hope and a future in Him. Don’t let the pull of being a celebrity diminish the truth. Mother Teresa did a great work for God in India and achieved great fame. But there are other Mother Teresa’s in the world who will never achieve fame here on earth. But in a short while they and you will meet God face to face and see your names on His celebrity list.

Rebuke the celebrity and fame call. Be at peace.