In a previous post, I talked about the American Idol Effect (the AI Effect) by which contestants disconnect fame from greatness. They long to be well known, even if it means they are not well thought of. (At the start of a new season of American Idol, we wonder if people will finally get this. Nope. I loved Ryan's line - "the auditions never seem to disappoint.") But, I also think there is something profound going on.
The need to be known is a basic human need. It is precisely this need which is addressed here: But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? (Gal. 4:9). If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him (1 Cor. 8:2-33). The search for fame is a poor substitute for finding true significance, the significance of being known by the One who matters, our heavenly Father. If you love God, you are NOT a nobody! Don't let anyone, including presidents and celebrities, tell you otherwise.
It's interesting reading this and being on the other side of this issue. Maybe it's just me, maybe it's the nature of celebrity...whatever modicum of notoriety I have, there's a significant part of me that wishes that I'd never had it. I know that God's got me in the place I am right now for his purpose (part of which I understand) and I'm not questioning where he has me, but I'd like nothing more than to get another job where I'm NOT out in the public eye doing whatever it is I do. Often, I'll be approached with, "I heard you today...you sound great," and I know that person has meant well, but I feel so embarassed because I'm not a big deal.
Not sure if that really related to what you wrote and I didn't mean to vent. Sorry bout that...
Posted by: Jeff | March 25, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Granted, a person finds greater security in God's affirmation than in notoriety, and no one should allow public opinion to detract from the security that their First allegiance assures.
On the other hand, there are some who walk into AI's auditions ALREADY SO ASSURED that they are somebody that no amount of "Simonizing" can bring them back to reality. In their eyes, they "ARE the next American Idol"--the rest of the world just doesn't know enough to appreciate their "contribution" quite yet.
Anyway, that example nicely encapsulates my question: how "secure" is too secure?
Posted by: AC | March 25, 2008 at 06:32 PM
maybe a better way to put my question is:
In what ways can security be warped, or expressed in an ugly way?
Posted by: AC | March 25, 2008 at 06:34 PM
One ugly way is narcissism - an over-valuation of self that defies logic. We all know self-absorbed people who are living out their dreams of entitlement. This is a given in New Age spirituality, in which all adherents are gods or goddesses.
Others lay exaggerated claims to "independence," as if they raised their own food, sewed their own clothing, walked to every destination, educated themselves, and created their own families and friends. My 93-year-old mother-in-law will rail at me for offering to fill her coffee cup - she wants to "stay" independent. Yet, she has neither earned a living or driven a car. You figure it out.
Posted by: ms | March 25, 2008 at 09:08 PM