From one perspective, they seem to have everything that so many of us wish for in our youth. Money, fame, notoriety…. People act differently around them – treat them special. I’m sure many of them are told over and over again how special they are. Many likely come to believe over time that they are indeed special, or ‘better than’ others.
But when I try and imagine what it must look like from God’s perspective…. How many times have we seen a young person who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight that seems like a sweet, innocent kid; and a year or two later have turned into something unrecognizable… they’ve lost their sense of propriety, their humility – and perhaps their very soul.
Clearly, this is not a new fad or phenomenon. Jesus spoke of this over two thousand years ago:
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Mark 8:36-37)
Fame, fortune, and celebrity all pass away. How many ‘stars’ have we seen over the years go bankrupt? How many were the ‘toast of the town’ 20 years ago, and completely forgotten today? But the soul…. The soul is eternal!
God created each of us with a unique soul that is built to last beyond this life – beyond this earth. He wants to spend forever with us! From an eternal perspective, ten or twenty (or a hundred) years of wealth and renown in this life are nothing. Nothing!
However, ten or twenty (or a hundred) years of worshipping and working for the glory of God – even if nobody ever notices… even if you can barely pay the rent… even if you suffer horribly for it… is everything. Everything!
#LoveMatters