The One Star
“When I think back on all the big mistakes I made as a pastor in my thirties, probably the greatest one was wanting to be a rising star.” —M. Craig Barnes
As I read those words one day during my communion time with Jesus, they struck deep within my soul. In a single sentence, Barnes captured what I’ve felt and sensed in my own journey over these last few years. If you had asked me back then, I probably would have denied it; but now, years later, I’ve come to peace with the fact that this was one of the giants most pastors must face and eventually overcome.
It doesn’t take long in reading the Gospels to see the disciples wrestling with the same issue. They often argued about who was the greatest, yet Jesus was unwavering in teaching them that it wasn’t about their name, their greatness, or even their impact. Everything they would one day do would be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and none of it was theirs to take credit for.
How far have we drifted from that model? In a day where everyone chases influence, I wonder if we’ve lost the desire to lead a quiet life. We measure a pastor’s worth by the size of their church or their following. And yet my own father spent most of his life faithfully pastoring a congregation of around one hundred. Somewhere along the way, we’ve traded faithfulness for influence—but they are not the same thing.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” —John 15:4 (NLT)
As I’ve written before, this passage has been anchored in my heart this past year. I’ve realized that in my pursuit to “do something for God,” I sometimes became detached from Him. But when my focus is simply on abiding in Him, fruit happens…fruit that lasts. My marriage is stronger. My relationship with my children is richer. The ease of preparing messages has increased. And so many other areas of life have been marked by peace. Why? Because I stopped striving and started abiding.
Contentment is the fuel of joy. And contentment is impossible unless you abide in Him, because only He is enough to satisfy.
Later in John 15, Jesus says:
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” —John 15:11 (NLT)
What a promise! There is only one star, and His name is Jesus. All others fade. All others pass away. But He remains, and He alone is worthy. He is altogether lovely, and in Him, we find both contentment and overflowing joy.
The world may chase stages, influence, and recognition, but none of it compares to the joy of simply abiding in Christ. True fruit, lasting joy, and deep peace are not found in becoming “a rising star.” They are found in remaining connected to the Vine.
There is only one star worth following, worth honoring, worth giving your life to; and His name is Jesus.
Journal | Where am I striving for influence or recognition instead of simply abiding in Christ? How can I reorient my life toward faithfulness rather than fame?
Prayer | Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have pursued influence or recognition more than I have pursued You. Teach me to abide in You daily, to find my contentment in Your presence, and to trust that the fruit You bring will last. Keep me faithful in the quiet, hidden places, and remind me that You alone are the one true Star. Amen.
As I read those words one day during my communion time with Jesus, they struck deep within my soul. In a single sentence, Barnes captured what I’ve felt and sensed in my own journey over these last few years. If you had asked me back then, I probably would have denied it; but now, years later, I’ve come to peace with the fact that this was one of the giants most pastors must face and eventually overcome.
It doesn’t take long in reading the Gospels to see the disciples wrestling with the same issue. They often argued about who was the greatest, yet Jesus was unwavering in teaching them that it wasn’t about their name, their greatness, or even their impact. Everything they would one day do would be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and none of it was theirs to take credit for.
How far have we drifted from that model? In a day where everyone chases influence, I wonder if we’ve lost the desire to lead a quiet life. We measure a pastor’s worth by the size of their church or their following. And yet my own father spent most of his life faithfully pastoring a congregation of around one hundred. Somewhere along the way, we’ve traded faithfulness for influence—but they are not the same thing.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” —John 15:4 (NLT)
As I’ve written before, this passage has been anchored in my heart this past year. I’ve realized that in my pursuit to “do something for God,” I sometimes became detached from Him. But when my focus is simply on abiding in Him, fruit happens…fruit that lasts. My marriage is stronger. My relationship with my children is richer. The ease of preparing messages has increased. And so many other areas of life have been marked by peace. Why? Because I stopped striving and started abiding.
Contentment is the fuel of joy. And contentment is impossible unless you abide in Him, because only He is enough to satisfy.
Later in John 15, Jesus says:
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” —John 15:11 (NLT)
What a promise! There is only one star, and His name is Jesus. All others fade. All others pass away. But He remains, and He alone is worthy. He is altogether lovely, and in Him, we find both contentment and overflowing joy.
The world may chase stages, influence, and recognition, but none of it compares to the joy of simply abiding in Christ. True fruit, lasting joy, and deep peace are not found in becoming “a rising star.” They are found in remaining connected to the Vine.
There is only one star worth following, worth honoring, worth giving your life to; and His name is Jesus.
Journal | Where am I striving for influence or recognition instead of simply abiding in Christ? How can I reorient my life toward faithfulness rather than fame?
Prayer | Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have pursued influence or recognition more than I have pursued You. Teach me to abide in You daily, to find my contentment in Your presence, and to trust that the fruit You bring will last. Keep me faithful in the quiet, hidden places, and remind me that You alone are the one true Star. Amen.
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