Carving Out A Reputation?

There are two main ways for people to seek import and repute. One is to seek awards, applause or acolytes with a self-constructed legend or legacy of genius, industry, wealth, philanthropy, family or success: Psalm 49 rules out pockets in a shroud while a Hillside Preacher warns trumpet-blowers their pay-day is on earth.

10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. 12 Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell - Psalm 49:10-14

1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward - Matthew 6:1-2.

The alternative route is to cut ties with earth, free hearts from sin, burn bridges with the world, and venture forth on God. When the God of Glory appeared in Ur, this is just what Abram did: he walked off into the sunset, took God as his guide, resting on the promise that, according to promise, grace would make him famous.

1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."  - Genesis 12:1-3.

Is there any historical figure with a greater name than the Patriarch? Apart from Christ himself, perhaps only prophet Moses and Saul of Tarsus, are more cited round the globe. Every continent on earth has spoken in glowing terms of the Man of Faith who swapped Chaldean ease, education, comfort and culture for Yahweh.

The remarkable things is, when we turn to his promised Seed, not only did Israel become a global force to be reckoned with: blessings temporal and eternal were bought for his family through Jesus, Son of Abraham, suffering the curse. Finally, by grace, the fame-pledge grew until God-Man scaled utmost universal heights.

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father - Philippians 2:9-11.

Those who, by grace, also bear the Savior's Name, must not crave hand-claps and back-slaps of bosses, peers, team-mates, rivals, kindred, friends, congregants, Tik-Tok or Facebook. Let others steal limelight from God for ability, offspring, success, or wealth. Son of Abraham: Hate evil! Shun idols! Let God carve your "Well-done!"