Songs of the Famous

I wonder what it would be like to have songs written about me. Songs that extol my extraordinary abilities and accomplishments. OK, the songs might be very short, but so what?
How would I react to hearing my name and my greatness fill streets and stadiums? Observation teaches us that fame may be intoxicating. Fame can cause lost emotional balance, compromised values, unrealistic assessments, uncontrolled desires, and can contribute to early death.
The people wrote and joyfully sang songs about King David of Israel. And there was lots to sing about. David was, indeed, not only a brave and brilliant warrior; he was a man of God. The Bible tells us “the Lord was with him”. (1 Samuel 18:12)
David could not be responsible for who wrote the songs or where and when they were sung, but he certainly was responsible for how those songs affected him. All of us have observed people who view their fame as a license to behave badly. Like so many others who have listened to lavish praises of themselves, David might have turned to the “dark side”. To a lifestyle of arrogance, rudeness, irresponsibility, belligerence, and extravagance.
Instead, the Bible tells us “David behaved wisely in all his ways.” (1 Samuel 18:14) At the end of the same passage of Scripture we read, “David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.” David is now honored for more than his exploits. He is honored for his character.
To be applauded for the types of things you do is great. To be esteemed for the type of person you are is greater!