Is Celebrity Toxic? The Easiest Antidote
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:14 (NKJV)
I do not receive honor from men.
John 5:41 (NKJV)
He departed to the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:46 (NKJV)
The easiest antidote for poison… is its AVOIDANCE. If you see an anthill or hornet’s nest, move elsewhere. If you see a pond with a poison sign, move elsewhere. If you see a crown coming toward you, move elsewhere.*
'When Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone' (John 6:15).
Without a doubt, Jesus became famous. Like stars today, 'A large crowd followed Him' (John 6:2). He didn’t seek fame. (Instead, fame chased Him, because that’s how the Father’s blessings work.)
For most of His ministry, He laid low:
'He warned his disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ' (Matthew 16:20). As a Man, He didn't avoid people, but He did avoid every manmade crown.
Yet at the very end, He went public.
'Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. The crowds... were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!' ' (Matthew 21:8-9).
Jesus acknowledged His divinity, but the way it looked was unfamiliar: no great horse, no grand robes, no caravan. The triumphal ride of the King of kings in Jerusalem… was on a donkey.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: Consider two lessons from your Teacher about the mantle of celebrity:
Become famous the way your Savior did: 'Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man' (Luke 2:52). Note the order: WISDOM first, FAME second; Pleasing God was His top priority, which brought God’s favor. Pleasing man wasn’t on His list at all. Nevertheless, God brought Him countless fans.
Pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17): 'He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed' (Luke 5:16). Prayer is your foundation, balance, retreat and answer to Hollywood’s temptations. Stay in the Bible, church, and fellowship. You’re in the world by the command of Christ, but come Home at the end of every day.
Is Celebrity Toxic? The Easiest Antidote (Part 9)
* At a minimum, defer the weight and glory to the only Head… strong enough to bear it.
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.