Gaining the Whole World Isn't as Fun as It Seems
After Oscar-winning Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead this week from an apparent drug overdose, the revelation of teen idol Justin Bieber’s pot-filled private jet, Disney star Selena Gomez's recent rehab stint for drug use, and, of course, the almost daily antics of Miley Cyrus, we are once again reminded of Jesus’s warning. Gaining the whole world looks like fun, but it’s obviously not what it’s cracked up to be.If being a star is worthwhile, why escape into drugs? If having throngs of screaming teens calling your name is fulfilling, why run away into a fake high? If making that much money makes you happy, why grasp for every cheap thrill that comes along?You would think stardom and riches would lead to a happy stable life. But they don't. Some of the world’s unhappiest people live in Hollywood and are surrounded with wealth… and drugs... and drunkenness... and sexual escapades... and serial relationships...It’s not that notoriety and riches are wrong. Key Old Testament characters had both, as did a number of early proponents of Christianity. But in our human nature, the things that we crave the most also let us down the most.Fulfillment can only come by accomplishing the purpose we were created for. If Bieber, Gomez and Cyrus (It’s too late for Hoffman) would get that figured out, their notoriety and wealth could become blessings instead of the curses they are. But that’s the trouble with the cravings of this world, they blind and obscure the seeker's vision from seeing what really matters and what actually satisfies.Don’t let the glitz and glamour fool you. Behind all those diamonds and makeup are hurting souls yearning for what we have been given in Christ. If I had a chance to tell them I would.But I do have a chance to tell you. Live for Jesus. You may not hear screams of admiring fans in this life or enjoy enviable material possessions. But if you remain faithful to him you will hear, “Well done” from God himself and enjoy an eternity of spiritual riches that will never lose luster.