Fame in itself isn’t necessarily wrong if it’s come to a person honestly and they haven’t compromised their moral integrity. After all, Jesus was famous in His own day. On one occasion, the Bible says, “the crowds almost crushed him” (Luke 8:42).

But I strongly urge you not to make this your goal in life. For one thing, you’ll almost certainly be disappointed; for every person who becomes a celebrity there are thousands who fail to reach that goal. Fame is also fleeting; today’s celebrity is often forgotten in a few years. But more than that, fame seldom brings happiness. Why do we constantly read about celebrities whose marriages fail, who end up on drugs or alcohol, or who even commit suicide?

Instead, I urge you to put Christ first in your life, and seek His will for your future. God knows all about you; He made you, and He loves you and knows what is best for you. Begin by asking Jesus Christ to come into your life. Then make it your goal to seek His will for your life every day.

Don’t be misled by those who claim happiness only comes from fame or fortune, for it doesn’t. True happiness — happiness that lasts — comes only from God, and it can be yours as you put Jesus Christ at the center of your life. God knows your needs, and Jesus’ promise is true: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).