I was in my car, listening to the news on the radio when I first heard about Michael Jackson’s death. There were multiple entertainment industry gurus who were interviewed as types of “Michael Jackson experts”. Most of them said the same thing. “He is forever the king of pop, had a difficult life, and his legacy of amazing music will not be eclipsed by scandal.” Except for one man who was hung up on this idea of the celebrity and his “toxic spotlight”. This man has seen a pattern that is difficult for him to shake. He has seen that the praise, glory, and fame, which celebrities absorb, ends up leading them to their own destruction.
The spotlight is indeed toxic to frail men and women, sinners. We were not intended to absorb glory, honor, majesty, or fame. We were not intended to draw attention to ourselves. We are malfunctioning when we do so, and it is extremely detrimental to our health. We were intended to draw attention to another, to point to Him as the object of our affections and to deflect glory in His direction as the author of anything good or honorable in us. As John the baptist recognized that he “was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light” (John 1:7).
The spotlight is not only toxic to super-celebrities who have fans that faint and hyperventilate in their presence. The spotlight is toxic to any of us, who at any moment, absorb rather than deflect fame or praise. It is not what we were intended for. It will put us in an unhealthy frame of mind and attack our soul. The story of existence is not about the greatness of sinners, but about the greatest of the one who saves them. We need to draw our attention and the attention of others to the Savior, not sinners.
Very good post. It is strange–I too have been working on something similar saying the same thing you say. What you are saying about man was not meant to be worshipped—years ago when I heard about the Karen Carpenter story is when it dawned on me that people were not meant to be worshipped. It was such a revelation to me and from there on out i looked at celebrities intirely diferent. Only God is big enough, awesome enough to handle worship. It will destroy man each and every time.
Can’t wait to check your blog out more. May God give you His words and may you be His voice for these end times. Be blessed!
HI.
I popped over from Redeemed Hippie’s Place. I was thinking much along the same lines. Our lives are not about who we are or our gifts or talents, but about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. We get so wrapped up in being the best – the most gifted singer or writer, etc. when we are only one of many who share the same gift and abilities, each having a purpose. I wonder if the destruction from the big named evangelists, now turned false, started the same way.
Blessings to you.