43. Are You Hungry for Fame?

” Luke 14:12–14″When you host a lunch or a dinner, don’t ask your friends, brothers, sisters, relatives, or rich neighbours, in case they might ask you back and you get paid back. Instead, when you throw a party, ask the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; you’ll be lucky indeed because they can’t pay you back”

Jesus doesn’t tell us it’s wrong to ask friends and family to a dinner party. He teaches us about something much more profound. Throwing a dinner party for others is good when we do it out of love. But if we throw a dinner or do any other kind of act to show off, then that’s all the pride we’ll get. Many look for and get this “payment” of pride differently. Jesus’ lesson shows that we should do good things with the humble, hidden aim of helping others.

Dangers of Pride

The lure of pride often leads us to worry too much about others’ opinions of us. Throwing a meal for friends, relatives, and rich neighbours is an example of pride in action. In this scenario, Jesus talks about someone who does something just to boost their ego and get compliments from others. This type of “glory” has no value and can harm the soul.

What drives your actions? Do you perform good deeds to gain attention and praise from others? Do you make an effort to showcase your virtues? Do others’ opinions of you matter too much? If you answer “yes” to any of these, you might have a bigger pride issue than you think.

The Humble of Heart

On the other hand, are you happy doing a good deed without anyone noticing? Can you find joy in helping others even if it goes unrecognised? Does your desire to serve and give stem from wanting to improve others’ lives? This aligns with Jesus’ teaching about hosting a feast for those who can’t pay you back – the poor, disabled, and blind. In other words, it’s good when you can’t get the “reward” of empty praise. This should be your aim.

Ask yourself today how hungry you are for fame. Think of a case where you’ve been toiling in the night for a period of time to work hard. Suppose the work that went well did great things for others. And then, suppose that nobody knew you had done all that good work, and so you weren’t credited or thanked. How would you feel? Ideally, you would be happy with two things.

You would first be happy to have served and contributed. Second, you would be happy that God and only God knew about your act of charity. If God is impressed with our goodness and self-sacrifice, he, so to speak, owes us something. His “debt” is God’s thanks and love, which he repays us with immortal gifts.

You can achieve these eternal vicissitudes only by doing good in the darkest and most lowly ways. Those are eternally better rewards than the momentary prizes of vanity.

Jesus Came to Serve

Jesus was born to die. That perfect love did the greatest good that could be done. Jesus performed this holy act of tenderness in the lowest manner. As a result, you are now forever sanctified. Become like Jesus, and in humble, hidden service, do something so that you may share in God’s Heavenly praises one day.

________________________________________

☕ If you’d like to support what I am doing: Buy Me a Coffee. If you find my videos & writing inspiring and uplifting, consider supporting what I do. Buy me a coffee. Your support makes a difference in my life and helps me create more of what you and I like. Thank you

For Inspirational Videos Click HERE

I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

This is a place for seekers, converts, reverts, and the curious. Here, you’ll find honest conversations about Catholicism, personal testimony, theological insight, and encouragement for those walking toward (or wondering about) the Catholic Church.

🕊️ From Atheism to Faith. From Pastor to Catholic.

📖 Read my blog: www.almostcatholic.blog

🌿For Free Holistic Well-being Resources www.paularoseparish.org

And Videos- YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvdQ4NPTNfXSnwd3pimPh0g

🕊️You can also find all my Books by following the links to Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

🙏 Subscribe, like, and share if you find something meaningful here.

Jesus loves you — and He’s calling you home. Welcome to the journey. 💕✝️

Contact by Email: paularoseparish@gmail.com

If you are struggling to find non-judgmental advice or support, please feel free to contact me. If you are grieving and need to talk or seek spiritual help, drop me an email to chat with me.

In the comments section, I would love for you to share your faith stories and comments with this community.

#catholichurch #protestant #journeyhome #catholicapologetics #rcia #paularoseparish

We seek to foster a sense of community. All blog posts are here for your encouragement and to share with others. You will find various topics relevant to faith and wellness in everyday life.