Christian Living

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What's with this nearly universal penchant to almost worship those among us who are unusually beautiful, talented, rich, good,(or not), as in Michael Jackson, Harry Potter, Paris Hilton, American IDOL (!)--you fill in the blanks? Is it because it makes us feel good about ourselves, the magnanimous spirit that makes us recognize and appreciate these traits? And costs no personal involvement as in trying to become like them? Is it enough that we are generous with our praise? Is this some sort of vicarious pseudo-religion? No demands on us except being an appreciative audience for commendable (or not) other people? Are we lifting up our own humankind rather than God? Because recognizing God costs us personal involvement to try to be more like Him? If that's the case, it is patently fruitless.

More than that, it is dangerous when admiration and respect pass over into mass hysteria and breathless adoration bordering on worship. It's not even good for the ones so deified. Remember King Herod: when he spoke, his adoring audience said it was the voice of a god and not of man. And he rather liked that, but God didn't. An angel was sent, and he was eaten of worms. (Acts 12:21-23)

When Paul and Barnabas healed the crippled man at Lystra, the people were blown away. They said the gods have come down in the likeness of men. And they called Paul Hermes and Barnabas Zeus and would have done sacrifice to them. When Paul and Barnabas heard this, they tore their clothes in frustration at such misguided thinking, saying, "We are but men like you, and we are preaching to you to turn from these useless things to the living God." And Scripture says they could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them. (Acts 14:8-16)

When Cornelius fell at Paul's feet and worshipped him, Paul said, "Stand up. I also am a man." (Acts 10:26) Not even angels are subjects of worship. "When John fell at the feet of the angel, he was told, "Do not do that; I am your fellow servant. Worship God. (Rev. 22:9)

No man or woman deserves the kind of homage due God alone. But recognizing and worshipping God comes with a price. Love compels the worshiper to try to emulate and obey the One he worships.

The glittering personalities who pass in and out of the spotlight, across the stage and then dim, ought not to receive the kind of reverential awe due our Lord and King. It profits us nothing and borders on idolatry. Our perspective in this matter needs to be corrected. No matter how prominent or talented we are--or whether we are the exalted ones, or the exalters--it really isn't about us.

"...Now to God our Savior who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and forever. Amen (Jude 25)

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