Have you ever wished you were famous?
Maybe someone else got credit for work you did. Perhaps an opportunity went to a person who hadn't been around for as long as you had. Maybe you were scrolling on your phone only to discover that a childhood friend had achieved a level of success that has eluded you.
A high-profile parenting website recently reported that 57% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) want to be influencers. The temptation to fame is understandable in a world where you spend 3-4 hours per day on social media. In that environment, each person begins to seek to elevate or expand the reach of their name.
As Pastor Derwin Gray wisely observes, "If Jesus knowing your name is not enough, then the whole world knowing your name will never be enough."
However, I encourage extreme caution in pursuing fame. One of my dear friends has achieved incredible success in his profession, earning millions of followers, numerous awards, and great wealth. In addition to those desirable outcomes, I've also seen the relational conflict, demands for money, and insecurity that fame creates.
This tension between seeking our own fame and exalting Christ's name finds beautiful expression in Elevation Worship's latest release, "Jesus Be the Name," which elevates the name of Jesus rather than any one individual.
The band shared with The Jubilee Cast about their intentions behind the song. "We didn't set out to just write another worship song. We wanted to put language to the awe and reverence we feel when we call on the name of Jesus. That night, something incredible happened-God met us in such a tangible way. We could feel the weight of His glory in the room. Our prayer is that people around the world will experience that same encounter when they hear this song."
In the second verse, the band connects the name of Jesus to their own experience in following Him.
"You have been the friend who never left
I won't forget Your faithfulness
Jesus be the name ever on my lips."
The lyrics of the song include experiences of intimacy and nearness with Jesus, as well as the holiness and majesty of Jesus. Like few songs I've reviewed recently, the writing Elevation Worship did for "Jesus Be the Name" includes more Scripture references than I can completely recount here.
However, consider this small selection. The focus on the name of Jesus reflects the words of Peter in Acts 4:12: "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." This isn't merely about a title! In Hebrew culture, a name represents a person's very character and authority. When we call on Jesus's name, we're invoking His complete nature: His power, His love, and His sovereignty over all creation.
The focus on the holiness of Jesus echoes the praise of the living being John witnessed in his vision recorded in Revelation 4:8. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."
Elevation Worship reminds us that, according to John 11:25, Jesus' name has the power to defeat death. "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." The lyrics of "Jesus Be the Name" remind me of David's words at the beginning of Psalm 34. "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises."
As I listened to "Jesus Be The Name" again and again, I felt my focus lift from several challenging events this week. I woke up tired and discouraged, frankly grieving that the future may not look like I envisioned it. Yet, focusing on the name of Jesus and His power shifted my focus from my struggles to my Savior! Instead of dwelling on disappointments, I found myself declaring the truths in this song—that Jesus has been faithful, that His name carries authority over every situation, and that He deserves all glory.
When talking to The Christian Beat, Elevation Worship's Tiffany Hudson shared, "'Jesus Be the Name' has become an anthem and a heartcry for our church, a declaration that Jesus gets all the glory… His is the name above every name, full of power and authority, growing sweeter every time we call on it. Our prayer is that this song leads listeners into a real, life-changing encounter with the name of Jesus."
Our desire for recognition isn't inherently wrong. After all, God created us for relationships and intimacy with others. But when that desire displaces our primary identity in Christ, when we seek the spotlight above seeking Him, our efforts elevate our name above the name of Jesus. After listening to "Jesus Be the Name" and considering the song's foundation in Scripture, the only proper response is repentance and prayer.
God, we repent for wanting fame for our name rather than elevating Yours. Forgive us for pursuing our fame over Yours. May Your name be ever on our lips and may Your name be known to more in this world. You know our names, and You love us in ways that fans or followers never will. Only You and Your name will satisfy our souls.
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name in the world. Scott loves to help discouraged and disoriented people find hope and healing. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona, and loves movie nights with his wife and three kids. You can begin Scott’s life-changing project, The 21 Day Gratitude Challenge, today.
