Chasing Fame - Chasing Carrots Part 1 | Pastor Craig Groeschel

Less of Me, More of Him

Scripture References

• 1 Chronicles 14
• John 3:30

Overview

We opened a new series, “Chasing Carats,” by exposing a hunger many of us rarely admit—the pursuit of fame. Whether it’s applause on a platform or a tiny rush from social-media likes, Pastor Craig showed how “micro-cravings for fame” quietly steer our hearts away from God and toward self. Fame itself isn’t sinful—God once made David and Solomon famous—but running after it can damage our faith. The antidote is John the Baptist’s posture: “Jesus must become greater; I must become less.”

Context

The series will later tackle money and stuff, perfectionism, approval, and comfort. Today’s message zeroed in on fame because social media now offers everyone a shortcut to notoriety—often at the cost of the soul.

Main Points

1. The Endless Search for “That One Thing”

• We often believe, “If I could just get that, I’d be happy.”
• Each new “that” underdelivers, creating a cycle of wanting more.

2. Micro-Cravings for Fame

• Over-committing because we need everyone’s approval.
• Wanting public credit for every contribution.
• Falling apart when one online comment is negative.
• Living “for likes while longing for love.”
• Illustration: Some delete a post within five minutes if it doesn’t draw enough attention.

3. Instant Fame in a Digital World

• In earlier generations you had to achieve something historic; today you can go viral for almost anything.
  • Story: “Alex from Target” went from 144 followers to CNN in 24 hours after a random tweet.
  • A woman smashing her face into bread amassed a massive following—proof that content, not accomplishment, now creates fame.

4. The Hidden Cost of Chasing Attention

• Counselors call sudden attention “traumatic,” especially for young hearts.
• Stats: 10–12-year-olds list “be famous” as their top life goal; 1 in 12 adults would disown family to become a household name.
• Actor Jim Carrey’s line: “I think everybody should get rich and famous … so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

5. Fame Is Not Sinful—But Its Pursuit Can Be Dangerous

• God “made David famous” after David obeyed (1 Chronicles 14).
• Solomon received wisdom and fame as gifts, not goals.
• Illustration: Pastor Craig’s childhood moment on national TV as a young magician—and the prank his staff pulled with an old Doug Henning poster—showed how easily ego can surface.

6. John the Baptist’s Model

“Jesus must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” —John 3:30

• Unlike Lucifer’s “I will” statements in Isaiah, John refused to leverage his platform for himself; everything pointed to Jesus.

7. Two Motive Questions

1. Who am I representing?
   • Followers of Jesus are “Christ’s ambassadors,” the highest-ranking diplomats sent from Heaven to earth.
   • Honest answer often reveals we’re promoting ourselves.
2. Whose approval matters most?
   • Desire for fame is often rooted in injury or neglect.
   • Paul: “Our purpose is to please God, not people.”

8. Called to Faithfulness, Not Fame

• One day Jesus will say “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not “star.”
• Hidden acts—serving, giving, tithing, praying, forgiving—are noticed and rewarded by God.
• The refrain:

  “Less of us and more of Him.”

Key Truths

• Micro-cravings for attention can be just as spiritually corrosive as overt fame-seeking.
• Social media makes self-promotion easy, but it also magnifies insecurity.
• God sometimes grants fame, yet He always demands humility.
• Our identity is secure because our names are written in His book, not because our handles are verified.
• We are ambassadors sent to spotlight Jesus, not ourselves.

Response

• Examine your online and offline habits; ask, “Who am I really representing here?”
• Seek God’s approval before you hit “post” or say “yes” to another commitment.
• Practice hidden faithfulness—serve, give, pray—without announcing it.
• When applause tempts you, repeat the refrain: “Less of me, more of Him.”
• Point every platform, talent, and success back to Jesus’ name.

Closing

Fame promises fulfillment but often fractures the soul. Jesus offers a better way: live as His ambassador, content to let His name rise while ours recedes.

“Less of us, and more of Him.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive all my sins, make me brand new.
Jesus, save me, change me, fill me with Your Spirit so I can follow You—less of me, more of You.
Thank You for a new life; now You have mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.