Is it Possible to Seek Fame and Still Glorify God?

The pursuit of fame—the desire to be known, celebrated, and admired by the masses—is not a new phenomenon. Today, we see it vividly in the rise of social media influencers, celebrities, and public figures who often chase after recognition and accolades, sometimes at the expense of their mental and spiritual health.  

Have you ever noticed everyone has a podcast?  Everyone is streaming or online, showing us perfect moments in their perfect lives.  We are all guilty on some level and it’s a daily challenge to keep the pursuit of these platforms truly about others and not about - self.   

I come from a secular network Television, having had shows on every major network. The mass abundance of people fame grabbing and camera grabbing feels embarrassingly fake. I am someone who knows firsthand that, for most people, it’s all just an illusion. It’s all about – self.

In fact, this is a temptation as old as time, which is why I feel compelled to speak about it. Consider the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. The people said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…” (Genesis 11:4). Their motivation was clear: to make a name for themselves, to be remembered, to achieve significance in their own strength.  By doing so, they would be approved; they would be famous, and dare I say it, they would be – gods!

But what happened? God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. Their plans crumbled because they sought fame apart from God. The story of Babel shows us that seeking fame for its own sake leads to confusion and separation from God’s purpose.  There is no lonelier place than feeling separated from God’s purpose for your life.   Do you ever have those moments?

Let me ask you: What are you building in your life? Are you building something to glorify God, or are you building something to glorify yourself? 

Fame promises significance - but delivers isolation and emptiness when God is not at the center. It is normal to have desires and longings for significance, impact, even for love…but if God isn’t the one driving your desires, you will feed toxins to your soul and destroy your life. 

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I mention fame and approval together because, closely tied together, they can create a tremendous trap. To be liked, affirmed, and accepted by others may feel good to your flesh, but who are these people whose life-affirming approval we are seeking?  Most often, they are not people who even care about you, if they even know you.  You become trapped in needing them, and they, in turn, control your emotions and impact your day, usually from afar. In John 12:43, we read about some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time: 

“For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” 

They were more concerned with human approval than divine approval. Be careful, or you can easily become one of those people whom the Bible says God did not know.  You may explain all the great things you think you have done for Him, and what if He says this is fine, but you never really knew – Me! How often do we fall into that same trap? Social media, for example, has amplified this tendency in our culture. Many people post not for the sake of connection or authenticity but for likes, shares, and comments, but to feel approved. When you measure your worth by the approval of others, chasing validation, you will be left hurt, angry, and feeling lost.

This is because human approval is temporary and mostly conditional.  You must perform the way the masses who approve of you tell you to perform.  You must do what they want you to do.  Respond how they tell you to respond.  When you have an original thought or a unique idea that they disapprove of, they turn on you and unfollow, unlike, and worse - attack you. When you fully break free from needing their approval, they seek to destroy you.   Only God's unwavering love and acceptance can fill that void. Scripture warns us about this. Proverbs 29:25 says, 

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” 

When we live for human approval, we become enslaved to the opinions of others. We’re tossed around by their praise or their criticism. But when we live for God’s approval, we find true freedom and safety.

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Before we dive into these stories, it’s important to reflect on how approval-seeking can show up in our own lives. Whether it’s through our careers, relationships, or even our faith journeys, this pursuit can quietly steer us away from God’s purpose. Let’s consider a few biblical examples of people who pursued fame or approval and the consequences they faced.

Biblical Examples of People Who Pursued Fame

King Saul: Saul’s downfall began when he prioritized the approval of people over obedience to God. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeyed God’s command to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. When confronted by Samuel, Saul admitted, “I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). Saul’s desire to please the people cost him his kingdom. This story teaches us that seeking human approval can lead us to compromise our obedience to God.

The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10, we read about a rich young man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the poor, and follow Him, the man walked away sorrowful because he had great possessions. Though he sought Jesus’ approval outwardly, his heart was tied to his wealth and status. He wanted the benefits of following Jesus without the cost of surrendering his earthly treasures.

The Pharisees: The Pharisees are perhaps the most glaring example of people who lived for human approval. Jesus said of them in Matthew 23:5, “They do all their deeds to be seen by others.” They performed religious acts not out of love for God but to earn the praise of men. Their outward piety masked an inward emptiness, and Jesus called them “whitewashed tombs”—beautiful on the outside but full of death on the inside.

The Freedom of Living for God’s Approval

In contrast to these examples, let’s look at Jesus Himself. Jesus never sought the approval of man; He lived to do the will of His Father. In John 8:29, He said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” Even when He was rejected, mocked, and crucified, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission because His identity and purpose were rooted in God, not in the opinions of others.

We are called to follow His example. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” When we live for God’s approval, when we know whom we serve, we find true confidence. We find purpose, peace, and joy.

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So, how do we guard against the trap of fame and approval? How do we live for God’s glory instead of our own?

1. Seek First the Kingdom of God

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When we prioritize God’s kingdom over our own desires, we align our lives with His purposes.

2. Cultivate Humility

Fame and approval often stem from pride. James 4:10 reminds us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Humility shifts our focus from prideful self-glorification to God-glorification.

3. Live for an Audience of One

Remember that God sees your heart. In Galatians 1:10, Paul writes, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

4. Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Be intentional about what you allow to influence you—whether it’s social media, relationships, or cultural pressures. You should be influenced only by the Word of God.   From it is all instruction for living right and reaping the benefits and blessings of a life with Christ.

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