Is Celebrity Toxic? Greed
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Matthew 6:24 (NASB)
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
1 Timothy 6:9 (NASB)
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NKJV)
'Too much money ain't enough money' (Lil Wayne).
'What's a soup kitchen?' (Paris Hilton).
'Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff' (Mariah Carey).
Without a doubt, Hollywood loves money. The industry we call ‘celebrity’ produces countless billions of dollars, through the gushing wells of film, fashion, music and theater.
Not to mention commercial endorsements, plus darker branches, like pornography, where money flows in the darkest channels.
Who's footing the bill for Hollywood greed? Every star-struck fan!
How did this happen? Impoverished souls who live without joy often follow media’s examples, including its easy-to-witness GREED.
Therein, greed is pumped into hungry hearts as the means to reach an idolized end. Viewers become mesmerized voyeurs--living in vicarious excitement, while watching earth’s hottest action figures… invented by media masterminds.
Beneath their big-house, fast-car, fancy-dress opulence are cleverly disguised desperate lives… destined for a fall. But fans still wonder, wasn’t it worth it?
Who benefits from the broadcast of greed? Entertainment kings, corporate giants, industry workers and the stars themselves.
What's the God-prescribed antidote for greed?
One word? CONTENTMENT. Add in two more words: AVOID TEMPTATION. 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have' (Hebrews 13:5). 'In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus' (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The godly toppers? 'Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak' (Matthew 26:41).
Is Celebrity Toxic? Greed (Part 4)
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.