Should we Seek to Make the Family name Famous?

(A new section from my unpublished book: The Ruling Household)

“I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

Is it biblical to seek fame? In an era where millions chase celebrity status through social media, hoping to fill an inner void, “influencer” has become Gen Z’s top career aspiration. Many Christian leaders counter this fame-obsessed culture, pointing to 1 Thessalonians 4:11’s call to “aspire to live quietly.” The YWAM song “Missionary Anthem” captures this sentiment: “I will preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten, as long as You get the glory.” This feels like a vital corrective to a generation enamored with self-promotion. Yet, God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12:2—to make his name great as a blessing—complicates the picture. When is fame a blessing, and when does it become a curse?

A family with a patriarch whose name carries a widespread, positive reputation enjoys unique advantages. Doors open for children and grandchildren that remain closed to others. A renowned family name amplifies influence, extending a household’s impact across generations and communities. Like wealth, fame is a tool: in the hands of the wise, it blesses; in the hands of the unprepared, it destroys, much like lottery winnings often ruin the unprepared.

Abraham exemplifies how to wield fame without succumbing to pride or corruption. His story reveals a narrow path where a great name serves God’s purposes, blessing others rather than glorifying self. For a family to become a “ruling household” in God’s design, we must learn from Abraham to steward fame humbly and purposefully. By walking this path, our families can maximize their blessings, leaving a legacy of impact for generations to come.

Tool: The Humble Pursuit of Patriarchal Fame

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” (1 Peter 5:6 ESV)

“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭6‬ ESV)

Fame, like wealth, is a dangerous pursuit when sought for its own sake. Yet, when it emerges as a byproduct of blessing others, it becomes a powerful tool for a family called to godly influence. Solomon observed, “A man skilled in his work will stand before kings, not obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29). Our goal should be to earn only the renown our work merits—neither amplifying mediocrity nor hiding excellence. It’s a tragedy when world-class work blesses only a few due to lack of exposure, just as it’s harmful when average work is prematurely celebrated.

The healthiest fame to pursue is within your own home. Strive to be renowned among your family by serving them with such devotion that your reputation shines in their eyes. If you pour out abundant blessing on your children and grandchildren, God willing, your name will echo through future generations. But what about an Abrahamic renown, where your family’s blessing overflows to others? For a ruling household, this is likely to happen, if not in your lifetime, then in your descendants’. Multigenerational families create such extraordinary value that their name naturally gains influence beyond the home. Here are four phases to steward this renown wisely:

Phase One: Cultivate Sober Judgment

Paul urges, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think with sober judgment” (Romans 12:3). In an age of inflated self-esteem and exaggerated praise, a ruling household must anchor itself in truth. Patriarchs should honestly assess their family’s work, saying, “This is excellent for sharing with loved ones, but it’s not yet ready for a wider audience—keep refining it.” Honest feedback builds character and protects against pride.

Phase Two: Focus on Excellence, Not Exposure

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). Prioritize improving your work’s quality and let its reach grow organically. Shameless self-promotion risks corrupting the soul, but trusting God’s timing allows your influence to expand naturally as others share your contributions.

Phase Three: Value Family Over Flattery

As strangers begin to praise your work, guard against believing your own hype. Surround yourself with a truth-telling family who know your flaws and strengths. In a culture addicted to “likes” and fleeting affirmation, a multigenerational family grounds you, shielding your soul from the dopamine-driven chase for online approval.

Phase Four: Redirect the Spotlight

When renown comes, use it to lift others up. Shine the spotlight on those who deserve recognition, especially your family, and above all, give glory to God. As Paul reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Renown also grants the privilege of opening doors for your children. Solomon wrote, “The glory of children is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6), describing how a father’s reputation equips his family with generational advantages. This isn’t about making children famous prematurely but about leveraging your influence to give them opportunities to carry the family’s legacy further.

By walking these phases, a family can steward renown as a tool for blessing