Faith vs. Fame

The theme of gatherings I have been to with other Christians, as of late, has been the Gospel.  What is it really?  And what does it mean for us?  There is a sense that possibly the church, as a whole, has taken a detour from the original intent.  With this in mind, I myself wonder if some in leadership have not exchanged faith for fame?  Do we reach more if we take center stage?  What has brought this to mind, is the contrast between what I recently heard in the news about Mark Driscol's latest book deal and what I read about Frances R. Havergal, and her book deal. 

I am not making a judgment here on Mark Driscol, but in the article I read he was accused of using questionable, though standard, marketing procedures to elevate his book ratings.  Why did he feel the need to do this?  Could God not accomplish it? 

Frances R. Havergal is a hymn and devotional author from the 1800's.  If you grew up in the church, you may recognize her hymn, "Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee".  She was from England but had hopes of publishing in America, as her agent in New York had made her reassuring promises.  However, instead of receiving her first royalty check, she received the devastating news that her publisher went bankrupt in the Stock Market crash of 1873.  This was her response:

"I have just had such a blessing in the shape of what would have been only two months ago a really bitter blow to me...I was expecting a letter from America, enclosing thirty-five pounds now due to me, and possibly news that my book was going on like steam.  The letter has come, and, instead of all this, my publisher has failed in the universal crash.  He holds my written promise to publish only with him as the condition of his launching me, so this is not simply a little loss, but an end to all my American prospects...I really had not expected that He (God) would do for me so much above all I asked, as not merely to help me acquiesce in this, but positively not to feel it at all, and only to rejoice in it as a clear test of the reality of victorious faith which I do find brightening almost daily.  Two months ago this would have been a real trial to me, for I had built a good deal on my American prospects; now "Thy will be done" is not a sigh but only a song."

Her books were later and continue to be published and available here in America and around the world.  So, which brings Glory to God and good to man?  Faith not fame.  If it is of God, He will accomplish it in His time, His way, so that if we are to boast, it is to boast in the Lord.  We can do nothing of lasting consequence without the Spirit of God.  Living faith is what people need.