Is Celebrity Toxic? Fame

'Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you,' says the Lord God. 'But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it.'

Ezekiel 16:14-15 (NKJV)

Countless people dream of being famous: celebrities chased by paparazzi; influencers with millions of followers. Why? It seems like stars have the world at their feet. They’re accepted and appreciated. They have the best things money can buy, so they must be amazingly happy! Right?

DEFINITELY NOT! Many of the stars we love DON’T love fame:

‘I want to poke holes in the erroneous beliefs about what fame provides. It won’t raise your self-esteem, it won’t create profound connection, it’s not going to heal your childhood traumas, it’s only going to amplify them.’ Alanis Morissette

‘All fame is infamy, and all infamy is fame. Good luck to whoever is famous. It is not easy. It could break your heart.’ Yoko Ono

‘American celebrities are constantly under surveillance, and every word they say is subject to scrutiny. So, be careful what you wish for if you desire fame. No human being should be a goldfish.’ Justin Timberlake

'I’m acutely aware that once I cross my property line, I’m not free anymore. As soon as I go out into the world, I belong, in a way, to everyone else. It’s legal to follow me. It’s legal to stalk me at the beach... I used to wake up in the morning, and I would realize I was 'Lady Gaga' and I didn't want to be myself. I felt threatened by the things my career brought into my life' Lady Gaga

‘What people don't realize is that fame, whatever your worst experience in high school, when you were being bullied by those ten kids in high school, fame is that, but on a global scale, where you're being bullied by millions of people constantly.' Megan Fox

'You never figure the cost of fame will be a total loss of privacy. That's incalculable.' Harrison Ford

Fame is a horrifying concept when it's aimed at you, you know? At the end of the day … you don't have that much control over it. You just try to conduct yourself as best you can.' Dave Chappelle

Hmm. Some scary thoughts.

On the other hand, didn’t some of God’s stars become famous?

Is Celebrity Toxic? Fame (Part 1)

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.