The vain-glory of this world is a deceitful sweetness, a fruitless labor, a perpetual fear, a dangerous honor…Francis Quarles
Vainglory: 1. excessive elation or pride over one’s own achievements, abilities, etc., boastful vanity. 2. empty pomp or show.
One of the Eight Deadly Thoughts that rob us of joy.
My moment of glory. A solo, bravely sung in Spanish before a crowded outdoor plaza in Mexico City. My friend Bruce was singing background vocals. He smiled as we walked off the stage–perhaps we had touched hearts with our brilliant rendition. As I passed the booth I heard the sound guy mutter, “Huh! I forgot to turn her microphone on.” I fought back tears–no one in the crowd heard one note I sang.
There were other songs, other soloists, God got the glory (and maybe some humans did too). But I wanted my share, some reward for my effort.
We all do. Is it too much to ask? Just,
- a name in the program,
- a place on the platform,
- a mention in the credits,
- or a title on the door?
- a Best-of-the-Year award,
- or a mention in the “Top Fifty,”
- or some version of 15 minutes of fame?
- a standing ovation or at least a paycheck,
when we’ve worked so hard and so well for so long?
Vainglory Is Idolatry
The powerful cultural message assaults our egos from every side: market yourself, create your brand, air-brush your image, because only the successful and celebrated matter in this world.
Vainglory’s bottom line: We make an idol of our own image, and expect others to bow down.
Jesus Asks,
“What if I appoint you to serve me with no hope of acclaim, no extrinsic reward, no thanks, no recognition, no title, no pay, would you still sing your heart out if your audience is just me, if your only applause is my whispered well done?”
Philippians 2:3-5: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…
- who took the last place
- endured humiliation we will never experience
- promoted not himself, but the Father
- avoided the applause of the crowd
- purchased our freedom with the price of his own blood
so we don’t need the “vain” glory of this world.
Have your accomplishments been ignored and unrewarded? Is that okay with you?
photo credit
6 replies on “Seventh Deadly Thought: Vainglory”
Just read Henri Nouwen’s thought that the three temptations of Christ represented the three compulsions we all struggle with: to be relevant, to be spectacular, to be powerful. Jesus saw them for what they were, so often I don’t. Jesus knew how to say no thanks. I’m learning!
Yes, Sandy, Nouwen says it so well. I need to re-read “In the Name of Jesus.”
Ouch. That hits where it hurts. I could name drop till the cows come home…and have, on numerous occasions…because that’s what performers do…to my shame, not fame.
Ouch.
Lord, have mercy.
Robert, it inevitably backfires, doesn’t it, this longing to make a name for ourselves. Artists are immersed in the false promises.
“Is that okay with you?”
Wow!
.. May this be what I hear in the moments when I feel I deserved honor.
And may our answer be “absolutely”!