With all the craziness around Michael Jackson’s death and our cultural obsession with Hollywood, what draws people to become fanatical?
Why are there masses of people who still worship Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley?
Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Britney Spears… Why would anyone want to be like these ladies? Yet they continue to make the covers of the tabloids and celeb-bratty magazines.
People envy the money, looks and power. Yet many superstars are the most narcissistic and insecure people alive.
I think many idolize musicians because their lyrics often talk to people during emotional peaks and valleys. Others idolize them because they stand on stage before thousands appearing larger than life.
We were told as children not to stare at people. In this age of media, we possess the ability to critically scrutinize the eye candy many actors and actresses provide. We dissect their aesthetics and portrayed personalities. Many actors portray people with God-like powers and abilities, very appealing to the daydreamer.
I remember as a rocker in the ’80s and ’90s meeting rock stars who I idolized. I wanted the fame and the musical abilities. It was very disappointing to discover that some of them where not so nice, nor so bright. They live a life where everyone is willing to go out of their way to serve and please them. This expectation of being waited upon inevitably feeds insecurity over any decline in status.
Most of the wealthy people I’ve met throughout my life had a multitude of problems and issues. They are paranoid about losing assets to a divorce prior to marriage, attorneys on retainer to prevent lawsuits and protect them from the vultures. They are very mistrusting of friends and relationships.
There are so many passages in the Bible dealing with such idols and the lost souls who follow them; I don’t know where to begin.
The first and last commandment explains it best.
You shall have no other gods before Me, and You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s. (Exodus 20:1-17)
Sadly, you must acknowledge and believe in the Bible before you can convince someone to follow God. As I look around, I see that my God is this awesome engineer, designer, creator and architect. God is so awesome, so wise, yet willing to send His son to die brutally on a cross. Jesus had the ability to have it all, yet he washed the feet of his followers. (John 13:1-15)
God continues to fill me with wisdom to see the world for what it’s worth. The rich and famous will undergo the same judgment as the poor and downtrodden. (Matthew 19:16-30)
Jesus is the only idol who will be here for eternity.
Iconic 19th century German philosopher Frederick Neitzsche said God is dead. Neitzsche is dead, my God is very much alive.
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