Steve Cole Being crammed into Virgin Atlantic airplane quite often over the past few years I have had the privilege of sitting next to some great people. It is always just a question of time before I am asked, “So what do you do?” Once I have attempted to tell them in as few words as possible, one question is guaranteed, “Do you know anyone famous?” On a flight recently a well known musician kept walking from the front of the plane to the back throughout the flight no doubt desperately seeking recognition. Just one autograph would probably lead to many others but everyone was too focussed on the entertainment to notice. fame text nav fame nav bar Welcome to the grand illusion Remember my name Interview: Donna Matthews And the winner is... Uncle Nigel If I were famous The Jesus fame game Q and a Enough The F word City guide - Vancouver Contributors
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Editorial
A philosopher once wrote, “Wealth is like sea water, the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame.”
At the beginning of the 14th century Dante Alighieri wrote these words: “Worldly fame is but a breath of wind that blows this way, and now that, and changes name as it changes direction.”
I am writing this from the green room backstage of a London theatre where I am sitting in on a conversation with an actor who has just finished a demanding and passionate matinée performance. This actor is back on stage in 90 minutes and yet here he is listening attentively to an actress pouring out her heart about relationships and her insecurities. One of the biggest names in the theatre could be swanning around in a similar vein to the pop star on my Virgin flight but here he is giving attention, focus and insight into this person’s life. For the whole time they were talking not once did this actor mention his performance or the great TV work coming up, there was nothing of himself, the focus was purely on the person opposite. They didn’t seem to mind me working on my laptop whilst they were talking – I was pretending I wasn’t listening!
In my own experience fame is overtly a million miles away from reality and yet covertly so close. Fame for me is a subtle pull, an underlying egoistic motive that seeks focus, elevation and regular feeds. On days of high adrenaline and caffeine I have to work hard at reigning in my tongue. When I sense things are going OK I find myself relishing the question, “How are things going?” and before you can say Paris Hilton I am presenting a very impressive, slightly exaggerated positive spin on life which makes me sound almost presidential. I cringe when assessing the motives behind that answer.
The fame of Jesus has consistently escalated through the centuries like no other name. Yet even though many people sought to give Jesus a title and position he walked away. Like the actor I mentioned earlier, Jesus had the lead role in the whole of history and yet his focus was not the elevation and promotion of self. Jesus gave the eye contact and the time to the people on the periphery of society. His vision and focus were to serve and not to be served. Paul then takes up the baton talking about God opposing the proud and giving grace to the humble. He writes about God using the weak and the ordinary to confound the wise – he uses people who are more concerned about the elevation and promotion of Jesus ahead of their own name, brand, title and status. This is not a theology directing us to complacency and laziness, this is liberating and empowering as we understand that we are important but not the key.
Today I witnessed first hand someone who handles his fame so well. Whatever our professional situation it is my desire to see thousands of subversives who in their own distinct way continue to come alongside, listen well, take interest, encourage, compliment and inspire without the puffing up of self.
Don’t push your way to the front, don’t sweet talk your way to the top Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed about getting your own advantage. Forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand. (Philippians 2)
God in his love does not condemn us but through his immeasurable grace continually shapes and refines us. In and through my brokenness and weaknesses I live to bring Jesus greater fame and elevation. Lord help me to get out of the way a bit more.
Thanks for the feedback from the previous publication on Addiction which can now be found online with articles from other publications on issues such as Sex, Ambition, Rejection, Image, Success, Touring, Jesus, The Church and Prayer.
In the new year, this publication will be going through a facelift with some additional features and some taken away. With the expansion of Artisan to other cities, the cost of distributing a free publication is nearly wiping us out every time, so with the new publication we are looking creatively at how we can develop a subscription/donation scenario which we will phase in over 2008. We are determined to keep Artisan an advertising free zone to keep its distinction and focus. I will keep you posted of developments.
Nine years ago in London, industry people gathered with three words as the catalyst challenge. Unity, Humility and Prayer. For most months since then we have been gathering to simply obey what we believe God has asked us to do. Amazingly the challenge of these words has inspired other groups in other cities apart from London to gather and pray. I believe that one of our responsibilities of being called into these industries is to stand in the gap between these industries and God. This is the meaning of intercession. Who else is going to communicate with a vocabulary that is so relevant and strategic? I don’t care whether you do it under the Artisan umbrella or not – just pray!
Steve Cole
Artisan’s Galactic President!
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