Week of Worship: He Knows My Name

I don't know how it is in your conversations, but I find myself and my friends trying to "out-complain" each other. Who got the least sleep? Who had the most homework? Who was stuck at school longest through the week? Who has the worst phone? Who has the most difficult shoe size to find?

I never really think about how absurd it is, but it is. It's like reverse bragging; instead of praise we fish for sympathy.

Of course, old-fashioned bragging is still in play. "Not to brag, but..." does not work to keep your listeners from taking your statement as a boast. I am just as guilty of this, trying to bring glory to myself by showing off or trying to slip in a statement about one of my qualities.

But why do we do this? So we can be the center of attention? So everyone can know our name? Why? Get your fifteen minutes of fame and then on to the next. What does that gain you?

If all the people in the world except One don't know your name, then you are known by everyone who matters.

 

You know how, when you were little, if you could tell a joke or do some trick that made your dad laugh, it was like no one else's opinion mattered? Like if you could impress him, then you were a million dollars? Well, there is a Father who loves you more than any earthly father possibly can and He made you perfect. And if He approves, then you need seek no other praise.

Admittedly, most of us have, at some point, dreamed of being famous in some capacity, whether as a celebrity, musician, athlete, scientist, billionaire, or some combination (the more money, the better). But even if the whole world sees our name in lights and we are not a child of the King, then we will have nothing at the end of the day. 

Francesca Battistelli released a song not long ago called "He Knows My Name." And it reminds us that, even if no one on earth knows our name, we are famous to our Father. And if our desire to be recognized is fulfilled there, then we can focus on the true star of the show: Jesus. When we get out of the way, the world can see Him. When we stop trying to soak up all the attention, we allow others to turn their attention to Jesus.

I know on a personal level, it's easy for me to get down when the pageviews for this blog are low and no one comments. I sometimes have to stop myself and ask, "Who am I doing this for? If I'm doing it for God, then why does a number even matter? And if I'm doing it for anyone but God, why am I doing it at all?" I have to remember that, if God sees what I write and is pleased that I am writing for Him, then nothing else matters.

So, instead of bragging on ourselves to elevate ourselves, let's allow ourselves to fall away from center stage and boast on our God, how amazing He is, how much He's done for us!

Listen, fall back to the supporting role, and comment your favorite worship song!