The aspiration of children's career choices seems to have changed significantly in the past 25 years. We now seem to have a culture of celebrity worship (perhaps as a substitute for religion in this post-modern age?). Being a contestant on a reality TV show can make you a "celebrity" on the next show. Looking at the number of people auditioning for shows like "Britain's Got Talent" it seems that being a rich and famous entertainer and getting that big break into show-business is something that people are seeking as a result of the celebrity obsession of the media today. Like the Lottery – the probability of success is very small, but I won't bore you with the maths!
What people are obsessed with is the 3 A's of Affluence, Attractiveness and Achievement – not so interesting apparently are the 3 C's of Community, Charity and Commitment according to writer Carlin Flora.
I suppose that at heart we would all like to leave an impression behind when we are gone – that often motivates people to writing or creative expression. Few artists are recognised and rewarded in their own lifetime – and many like Van Gogh, Manet and Gauguin made virtually nothing from their paintings.
There is another sort of impression we can leave behind – in terms of the effect we can have on those around us. We can be generous, patient, kind and helpful to people – we can share our faith, be sacrificial in our love and carry out random acts of kindness to strangers anonymously. These people will be the celebrities in Heaven!
Let our motivation not be earthly appreciation or praise – rather let us be discreet with our good deeds:
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6: 2-4 [TNIV]
Lord, help us to have wisdom and maturity. Make us humble and give us your perspective on the values in our lives today. Amen.
Dave MacLellan
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