Is Celebrity Toxic? Bragging
But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
James 4:16 (NASB)
Thus says the Lord, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches.'
Jeremiah 9:23 (NASB)
What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB)
Bragging is commonplace in Hollywood. So is name-dropping. 'I just had lunch with (big name producer), and we ran into (A-list director), who’s got the ear of (big studio king). But…
Misplaced worship leads to misplaced values.
Including the quest for self-promotion: the ostentatious flaunting of talents; the shameless listing of accomplishments; the flattering of powerful people for financial or professional gain…
With the goal of walking on red carpets. But do puffed-up promotions come from God?
PERSONAL FLASHBACK: When I was in school, social clubs were a symbol of success. I dreamed of a golden invitation, but I didn’t fit their narrow standards. On the other hand… If I did, would I have bragged, just like them? I fear the answer, so my wise Father spared me the question.
BACK TO NOW: Maybe at your school, it's sports or beauty. Maybe at your job, it's pay or status. Maybe at your church, it's appearances.
To consider: Do famous Christian measure their success by best-selling books or audience size? God forbid!
If so, what’s God’s antidote for bragging?
In one life-saving word: HUMILITY. Add a second never-fail word: MEEKNESS. Jesus walked in both.
'I am gentle and humble in heart' (Matthew 11:29). 'See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey' (Matthew 21:5). 'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth' (Matthew 5:5).
Christ focused on the beggars at His gates, the anguish of the lepers on His path, and the sad women crying at His Feet.
As for bragging? We’re strictly warned, DO NOT. 'Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing' (Matthew 6:3). In other words, don't brag about your gifts or accomplishments.
When at last, I surrendered to Jesus, I prayed to be 'Transformed into the same Image' (2 Corinthians 3:18). How? I must 'Put on Christ' (Galatians 3:27); We must 'Be imitators of Christ' (Ephesians 5:1).
Therefore, associate with the outcasts. Invite and befriend the unattractive. Lift up the downtrodden and the lonely. Let others praise you.
Never praise yourself.
Is Celebrity Toxic? Bragging (Part 2)
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.