Young adults who inherit vast riches typically lack the maturity to handle those riches wisely. They invest poorly, spend indiscriminately, and consider power to be their birthright. The blessing of wealth can become a curse. No wonder some wealthy people stipulate in their wills that the heirs must be older than 18 to have full access to the inheritance.
Fame can also corrupt judgment and morals. But a will cannot limit the acquisition of fame. Indeed, through the wonders of the internet, virtually anyone can become famous. And those who seek fame often attain some measure of it. Fame obviously distorts one's sense of importance and can easily lead to unwise decisions.
When a pastor intentionally seeks fame, he/she can justify sneaky means of achieving it. Because, of course, the pastor intends to use that fame to spread the gospel. The gospel is preached, but corners are cut, people are mistreated, and rules are bent. Too often the weight of fame crushes the preacher of the gospel. When it all becomes public, the testimony of the Church is harmed. This famous person misused funds, was a sexual predator, or emotionally abused others.
Maybe the maturity that develops in obscurity is a better demonstration of the power of the gospel.
