LETTERS TO YOUNG MINISTER’S 6
WE SHALL NOT ALL BE FAMOUS
This title is not a curse — it is a scriptural, plain and candid truth.
A long time ago, I came across a quote by Mother Theresa, it says, ‘God has not called me to be successful, He has called me to be faithful’. It really reverberates with me. Over the years as I teach on the subject of purpose and ministry, I have used this quote again and again. These days, I say, ‘God has not called us to be famous, He has called us to be faithful’. Why? Because I think the drive for fame is a major issue in this generation.
The word Famous — I believe really explains what Mother Theresa said, especially if we define success according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, ‘degree or measure of succeeding; favourable or desired outcome ALSO THE ATTAINMENT OF WEALTH, FAVOR, OR EMINENCE’. So, to be successful is to have attained a stature of wealth, favour, eminence or fame.
Yes, God hasn’t called you to achieve fame, wealth or eminence. It is not the goal of God. Paul answered the question for all time, Ephesians 4:11–13, ‘AND HE HIMSELF GAVE SOME TO BE APOSTLES, SOME PROPHETS, SOME EVANGELISTS, AND SOME PASTORS AND TEACHERS, FOR THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY, FOR THE [E]EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, 13 TILL WE ALL COME TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, TO A PERFECT MAN, TO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST’
Apart from this generic mission stated above, some of us will also have some specific and personal mandate — things God has asked us to do. God will therefore define our success as the attainment of the visions and dreams He has given us. Success therefore in ministry is fulfilling the assignment of God.
No one can say that God has called him into fame. It is not a calling; it is something your calling may or may not bring your way. This is important, because if you are not going to attain it, it doesn’t matter what you do or say — pray, quote scriptures or do more, it won’t happen. Understand that this treatise is not against fame — we all have a seeking for eminence and impact — fame is not a gauge of anointing or obedience. Whether you attain fame or not, God must find you faithful concerning whatever it is He put in your hands.
Impact in God’s book is not that people know our names, impact is doing our part in the entire plan of God for our generation. While doing the work God has called us to, some will attain fame, they will gain eminence, but that is only a few, not all. A few!
NEWS FLASH — We shall not all be famous. The earlier we come to the knowledge of this truth, the better for us. I have looked on and on, and I have seen many people disregard the awesome work they are doing, because it is not known. While many people are on a crazy drive to be known.
Sometimes when some people pray Lord anoint me — it is not for the sake of Christ. It is so people can know, and acknowledge that they are anointed. They want to be known as the purveyors of new revelations, the anointed ones of our time. God is not so much interested in our cries, as He is in our intent. Why are you seeking for a Mega Church? Why do you want more people? Why do you want more followers on Social Media? Why should He anoint you? Why would you heal the sick? Why?
I know you know and have read about Timothy, Titus, Paul, and the 12 disciples of Christ. But did you notice these other names in your Bible, they were also in ministry — Urbanus, Stachys, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Aristarchus, Demas; and just when you think they didn’t matter much, you discover their case is better, look at those Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 8:23, ‘as for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; AS FOR OUR BRETHREN, THEY ARE MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES, A GLORY TO CHRIST’ (emphasis mine). Who are the people in ‘our brethren’? Don’t bother finding out, Paul told us who they are, ‘they are messengers of the churches, THEY ARE A GLORY TO CHRIST’.
I think that is enough for me, fame is not enough, it is really not what I want — may heaven say, ‘I am a Glory to Christ’. That brethren, is better than Fame! If that is all I have, then I am good and I will remain faithful to the call. I will fulfil its duties. Let me be ‘A GLORY TO CHRIST’ Amen!
Fisayo Adeniyi
Your Greatness is Assured!
#PFA