Seeking Fame

Picture from "Pass The Plate and Let Us Prey"

From Richard Abanes book "Rick Warren and the Purpose that Drives Him page 38

(speaking about Rick Warren) " The last thing on his young mind was leading a church. He had other interests, like politics and music. In fact, he wanted to be a guitar-playing rock star!

From Assist News

" “I’ve always wanted to do in this stadium.” He then sang an impersonation of Jimi Hendrix’s hit song, Purple Haze. As the audience erupted into laughter, the church band joined in playing back up to it. (Pictured: Part of 30,000 crowd at Angel Stadium).

Seeking fame is a dangerous snare that can trap even the most discerning Christian.

I know because I have sought and found fame twice.

Both in the secular and the Christian music worlds.

In both camps I had to compromise.

As a unsaved person though I saw no problem with compromising my integrity as I made the big time playing with a band that sold over 45 million records worldwide.

The cheering crowds and attention that goes with all this is very seductive.

Whats my excuse as a Christian to compromise?

I have none and I have compromised in order to play with some of the worlds best Christian musicians in church.

I played for several TBN and TBN wana bee's just in order to play with some very good and famous musicians.

Even though I knew the message was wrong.

But gee the gig was so sweet.

No excuse.

And even though I love dearly many of the fine Christian musicians I have played with it was wrong to support the message being preached.

Whether it was Word-Faith or purpose driven.

I was wrong.

You need to be careful as well.

I understand the mentality though and I understand how guys like Rick Warren operate.

You convince yourself that it is God speaking to you and He wants you to get your message out to so many people.

But God never lies.

And God never contradicts His own Word.

Never!

You see seeking fame always gets you to fall into the trap of being full of pride instead the Bible teaches-

1 Peter 5-6 states

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

You really cant read a Rick Warren article today or most any day and still state that this guy is humble. Rick is not humble, his own interviews show this.

Other seek fame through compromise such as Brannon Howse of Worldview Network.

I undertand this because I compromised to be famous as a Christian as well.

Brannon has many skilled discerning writers on his site. But yet he continues to promote David Jeremiah who endorses contemplative prayer, and Tim Wildmon of the AFA who sells the books Brannons writers speak out against. Brannon also appeared on TBN.

All this for the sake of numbers.

Eventually though if you do get a permanent TBN gig you will not be allowed to speak out against there prime cuts such as all the Word Faithers.

The Word faith false teachers are the real money that fuels TBN.

No wonder there is so much confusion in the camp these days.

Another asset of seeking fame is you become skilled at flattery.

I know.

Been there done that.

Rick Warren though has got to be the master of flattery.

I read Joseph Farah's last article on Rick Warren and Ive got to say Rick Warren master of flattery has seemed to have gotten to even a seasoned news man like Joe Farah.

I hope Im wrong.

Guys like Rick Warren are just a warm up for what is going to happen probably in our lifetime.

But if you can be fooled by Rick Warrens lies, untruths and sleight of hand.

And you continue to compromise for the sake of numbers when the Bible clearly states you wont have the numbers because of the great falling away.

What hope can you have to discern the lies when the antichrist shows his face?

Danial 8:23-

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes

His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people

Through his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.

Rather we should take the attitude the apostles had.

1 Thess 2:5-6

"For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness, God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ."

Isnt it about time we see the writing on the wall.

Tim Wirth