Popularity and Idol worship

Two Crosby's are found in the early years of the 1900's.

Fanny Crosby, who died in 1915 at 94 years old, and Bing Crosby who was born in 1903.

Did you know they were related? (Through Simon Crosby)

So, as I was thinking about the difference between these two I considered how in our modern time we put great trade stock in the popular and popularity, yet God selects from the humble.

Where Bing gathered fame and fortune, it is said of Fanny that ,

"Throughout her life, Crosby was described as having "a horror of wealth", never set prices to speak, often refused honoraria, and "what little she did accept she gave away almost as soon as she got it".[254] After her marriage, Crosby "had other priorities and gave away anything that was not necessary to their daily survival".[35]" (excerpt from: http://pennyspoetry.wikia.com/wiki/Fanny_Crosby)​

Where Bing would spend leisure time on the golf course or pursuit of women,

"As Crosby had lived for decades in such areas of New York City as Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, The Bowery, and The Tenderloin, she was aware of the great needs of immigrants and the urban poor, and was passionate to help those around her through urban rescue missions and other compassionate ministry organizations. Crosby indicated "from the time I received my first check for my poems, I made up my mind to open my hand wide to those who needed assistance".[253]". (taken from: see above)​

At the end of life Bing (died of a massive heart attack on the golf course after saying, "That was a great game of golf, fellas.") had amassed fame and fortune that continues to fade - except at Christmas time.

What was the heart of Fanny?

"At the end of her life, Fanny’s concept of her vocation was not that of a celebrated gospel songwriter, but that of a city mission worker. In an interview that was published in the March 24, 1908, issue of the New Haven Register, Fanny said that her chief occupation was working in missions." (excerpt from: see above)​

What Scriptures and Scripture examples can be found that you might use in determining the pattern of your own life and living?

How important are popularity and fortune in comparison to the life devoted to others?

What Scriptures can you bring into this thread that would be helpful to youth who chase after idols rather than seeking the heart of God?

your turn.


Those of you interested in reading in-depth about the people and influences of and in Fanny Crosby, I recommend this most thoroughly documented on-line source: http://pennyspoetry.wikia.com/wiki/Fanny_Crosby

 

Those are very good.

Do you think Romans 6 might also be effective?

12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,13and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.​