Radiance: Imposters

No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NASB)

How you have fallen from Heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn!

Isaiah 14:12 (NASB)

If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and wealth.

Matthew 6:23-25 (NASB)

The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the Light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the Image of God.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)

In film, fashion, music, and theatre, stars have supernatural radiance. They’re charismatic. They’re magnets--drawing people’s attention with looks, talent, and a sparking presence.

  • Big dreams inspire them.

  • Great coaches hone them.

  • Trainers chisel them.

  • Stylists design them.

  • Designers clothe them.

  • Directors court them.

  • Publicists show them.

  • Award shows crown them.

  • Talk shows feature them.

  • Cameras chase them.

  • Groupies follow them.

  • Fans imitate them.

Meanwhile, big networks mine for NEW gold: unknown stars… hoping to be discovered. They want to be famous (or infamous)!

Others, by means of social media, work hard to launch themselves– and some succeed.

The lure of fame is like the Siren's call in fables– almost irresistible.* Perks of fame include power and money. The cost of fame (outside of God’s will) is deep misery… which can harm young fans who follow lost stars.

'It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble' (Luke 17:1-2).

So here's the thing: God STILL OWNS RADIANCE, but the devil makes a false claim with fool’s gold. For reasons only God can fully grasp, 'The prince of the power of the air' (Ephesians 2:2) retains temporary authority to bestow an artificial brilliance:

'And the devil said to Him, 'All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours' ' (Luke 4:6-7).

How can you know radiant impostors? Easy. Simply turn off the man-made lights, because impMAKESosters don’t glow in the dark. When stage lights dim, evil comes out to play.

On the other Hand (God’s Righteous Right Hand), actors, models, and talent for Christ DO glow in the dark. That's where YOU shine best!

'The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it' (John 1:5).

Radiance: Imposters (Part 3)

* The Siren's call: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siren

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.

Carey Arban