Who do you worship?

You know, this is my place to ask questions, to wonder…

And today, I’m wondering about celebrity worship. Not the “syndrome” that affects some but the fascination that influences so many.

Admiring people for their abilities and accomplishments isn’t a bad thing when it motivates and inspires us to do and be our best.

But…

When you and I glorify and model some media version of who they are, well . . . we have a problem.

There are dozens of celebrity gossip magazines, television shows, and online destinations. People want to know what the rich and famous wear, how they dress, what they believe, and where they live.

And I wonder why?

At what point do you and I give the rich and famous too much influence in our lives?

And at what point is celebrity worship harmful to society?

The following conversation took place during place as Satan tempted Jesus…

Then the devil took Him [Jesus] up and revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’” Luke 4:5–8

So…

12 Reasons Why You Need to Reject Celebrity Worship

Plus questions I want to ask myself…

1. It counterfeits our idea of beauty.

Do I compare my appearance and the people around me to the air-brushed images of celebrities I admire?

It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you—the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3–4

2. It leads to coveting what you think you’re missing.

Do I buy things I don’t need simply because they are endorsed by my favorite celebrity?

Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4

3. It glorifies wealth and materialism.

Do I neglect my time with God and/or my family to make more money and have more stuff? Do I favor people who dress and live more comfortably over those who don’t?

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Ecclesiastes 5:10

4. It contributes to personal dissatisfaction.

Do I feel like my appearance, wardrobe, home, car, and position are lacking when I watch television, read magazines, and scroll through social media?

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24

4. It perverts our thoughts about God’s commands and Godly values.

Have I adjusted my beliefs about God’s will because celebrities and my friends say they are outdated and no longer applicable?

When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. Ecclesiastes 12:13

5. It gives significance to celebrity opinions without knowledge of their character.

Am I influenced by the political and religious views of people I see on a screen or read about rather than praying and asking God to reveal His truth and will to me?

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2

6. It inspires an obsession for fame and fortune.

Do I neglect the eternal for the temporary?

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:15–16

7. It endorses the desire to be served and not to serve.

Do I admire and aspire to live a pampered and indulged lifestyle?

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10

8. It becomes an extreme waste of time.

How much time do I spend watching television, scrolling through social media, reading celebrity and lifestyle magazines, and talking about all the above?

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4

9. It promotes personal comparisons and leads to criticism.

Do I compare myself and my children to friends and neighbors? Do I play fashion police and publicly or privately criticize those who don’t conform to current trends?

We do not compare ourselves with those who think they are good. They compare themselves with themselves. They decide what they think is good or bad and compare themselves with those ideas. They are foolish. 2 Corinthians 10:12

11. It distorts our views about our personal talents and abilities.

Do I complain and question why God made me this way? Do I give up rather than trying to be the best version of me for God’s glory?

You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. Psalm 139:13–14

12. It interferes with pure Godly worship.

Have I ignored God’s truth and believed the age-old lie that He is holding out on me . . . that He is not enough? Who or what am I really worshipping?

You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you. Exodus 34:14

Oh Friends, when I started writing this I didn’t think I had a problem with celebrity worship because I don’t have anyone I follow, model, or celebrate. But some of those questions really convicted me.

I realize I’m guilty! I’ve placed too much value on what’s unimportant . . . things like appearance and stuff. I’m influenced by the culture in which we live. Just like you are.

But it’s not too late.

I can limit celebrity worship and influence, I can…

Ask – Pray and ask God to forgive me for worshipping anything or anyone besides Him and ask Him to help and guide me going forward.

Seek – Turn to His Word for truth and compare every through, opinion, or word of advice against His promise that lasts forever.

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Do – Obediently follow His will as He reveals it to me . . . even when it doesn’t trend with culture.

Will you pray with me?

Father, forgive me. Help me worship You alone. Help me follow You alone. Help me know Your truth and obey Your will as You reveal it to me even when it goes against what the rich and powerful think or what society promotes. I need Your help to keep my eyes on things eternal when the temporary shouts so loud. I need You, Lord. Amen.

Leave your prayer requests…

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