Our family watched Marvel’s Spiderman: Homecoming the other night. These family movie nights don’t happen often because the older two are usually out and about, and when they are home, there is rarely a movie that everyone can agree upon. So, we end up watching forty-five minutes of trailers, trying to find something suitable, until I inevitably fall asleep on the couch (fifteen minutes, folks. I’m usually asleep within the first fifteen minutes of a movie). Once I’m asleep, my son retreats to a video game, my oldest relents control of the remote and heads to her room, and my youngest begins to complain excessively because Dad resorts to turning on a soccer game. And that’s about when we tell her it’s time for bed. And that’s also about when the drama starts: We NEVER watch movies together! No one EVER watches what I want to watch! And why doesn’t anybody ever want to watch Frozen again?! And that’s also when I pretend I’m still sleeping on the couch.
These are great family bonding nights, folks. Just really great.
But we watched Spiderman. And I almost made it to the end. There’s maybe fifteen minutes…or forty-five…that I need to go back and watch, but before falling asleep there was one scene in particular that struck me. Peter Parker (Spiderman) was having a conversation with Tony Stark (Iron Man). Spiderman had been wearing his new Superhero suit, given to him by Tony Stark, but neglected the rules regarding the suit:
Peter Parker: I understand. I just-I just wanted to be like you.
Tony Stark: And I wanted you to be better. Okay, it’s not working out. I’m gonna need the suit back.
Peter Parker: For how long?
Tony Stark: Forever.
[Peter starts to cry]
Tony Stark: Yeah. Yeah, that’s how it works.
Peter Parker: No, no. Please.
Tony Stark: Let’s have it.
Peter Parker: You don’t understand! Please, this is all I have! I’m nothing without this suit!
Tony Stark: If you’re nothing without this suit, then you shouldn’t have it. Okay?
Okay? Not Okay for Spiderman who was celebrated by the masses…in his suit. Without it, he basically felt worthless. This brief conversation between the two superheroes was intriguing to me because of how relatable Peter Parker’s emotions are in our current culture. We live in a world that tells us we’re better off if we make something of ourselves, that we’re less than adequate unless we have the suit of prominence and success; we live in a world that tells us the best of the best are the ones known for their abilities…the ones whose suits have made them famous.
We Aren’t Made for Fame
I heard an excellent sermon a few weeks ago on John 12. Part of what Jesus is teaching in this passage is that we must deny ourselves in the same way that Jesus denied Himself to the point of death on the cross. By way of application, the pastor said a memorable phrase: “We aren’t made for fame.”
Oh, how different is the message of our culture. We hear both blatantly and furtively that we’re made to be known for our accomplishments, to be praised for our deeds. These are the messages that ring in our ears, and this is why we’re envious of those who appear to have risen to the top; this is why we feel worthless when we compare ourselves to those who seem to have gained attention. Like Peter Parker, it’s why we feel like nothing when we don’t have something to make us great.
And I’m not just talking about the Hollywood kind of fame. We each strive for recognition in our own little circles. Whether it’s attempting a post that will gain excessive attention on social media, striving to write the best article ever written, or trying ruthlessly to make it to the top, we often seek these accomplishments merely to be recognized, to make something of ourselves.
But this way of thinking is so contradictory to what the Bible says is our purpose in life. To strive to be influential is good. But to strive to make our name great is not. Not only does it go against our calling as believers, but it serves very little purpose in light of eternity. The recent tragic deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain are devastating examples of this reality.
We Are Made for God’s Glory.
The first question in the Westminster Catechism asks: “What is the chief end of man?” The Answer: “To glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” Matthew 5:16 echoes this calling as Jesus exhorts believers: “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Our good works and accomplishments should all be done with the purpose of giving God glory. The ultimate purpose of every word written, every note played, and every picture painted is not to make our name great but to make His name great. Seek to be an influencer so that you can show others the God whom you serve. Allow your work to display God’s majesty, His beauty, and His creativity. He is, after all, the One who has given you every ability. He is a good God who has gifted you perfectly according to His will and purpose for your life. If you feel inadequate without the reward of man’s praises, then you will struggle to find fulfillment and contentment; we were not made for fame. If the “suit” you are wearing is making you hungry for a greater name, if you feel as though you are nothing without it, then just maybe you shouldn’t have it. Okay?
