Better than celebrity …
If tweets could be heard, these would have been loud!
Both tweeters were Christian leaders who, at different times and locations, were tweeting on Twitter about seeing a celebrity in an airport.
On both occasions, it was just a sighting of a celebrity walking through the same terminal they were in. The whole episode may have lasted 30 seconds, but you would have thought they were getting personal introductions by the level of excitement both showed at simply seeing a celebrity “in real life.”
What is it about celebrity that makes even church leaders squeal with excitement?
I think somewhere in our culture we have developed the idea that to be known (which is the definition of celebrity) is to be valued. And to be valued is a cherished thing in our broken lives.
We should feel valued in our relationships, but that’s often where we’re hurt the most.
We should feel valued in our own homes with our own families, but that’s often where we’re the most harmed.
We should feel valued in our Christian fellowships, but that’s often where we’re the most judged.
In the places where God has designed for us to know that we are valued, and to be embraced with love given with abandon, we are often the least appreciated.
If you want to hold to finding value in being known, look at these words in Jeremiah 1:5, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Can you imagine the value Jeremiah felt in receiving that message from God? Can you imagine how truly cherished he must have felt knowing that God has always known him, and has valued him before the Lord ever created him? He was created from the value the Lord had for him!
It’s the same feeling of great value you and I can know, because the message God gave to Jeremiah is the same message He has for you and me: God knows us! He knew us before He made us, and He created us from value, with value, to be valued.
God knows us with a perfect knowledge, and from that He has valued us so greatly that He gave His Son to save us. You are truly priceless to Him!
Being known by God is better than celebrity. It’s to be so valued that we are loved with abandon.
God knows and values you. But do you know and value Him? Which would excite you the most: some personal time in the Word and prayer communing with God, or five minutes with your favorite celebrity?
Scotty
May 17, 2010 at 6:33 am
Trying to find my identity through social media has taught me alot. I imagine it is almost the same as idolizing celebrities.
I broke up with Twitter and Facebook because I really felt God telling me to…To seek my worth in him. It has been amazing! I have alone time with God….I crave it and I have found that I am more protective of it.
I would chose more time with God….I have so many praises that I haven't shared with Him yet…So many questions still to ask. 🙂
May 17, 2010 at 12:16 pm
If I didn't already know God by now, after reading this post I'd probably think back and compare the level of happiness I've seen in the many unsaved famous people I've met vs. those who do seem to have a relationship with God. The two camps are light years apart. In fact, I believe that's exactly what I saw ten years ago that finally turned my spirit around and caused me to kneel down and ask Him to forgive me and live through me.
May 17, 2010 at 2:42 pm
It is the testimony of what life really is when lived in Christ that shines brightly for the world to see. That's why Jesus encouraged us to let us shine that light brightly, so that others would see and would come to Christ so they, also, could have life!
May 17, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Theresa, we can only find our genuine identity and worth in Christ. It sounds like you're on a wonderful journey with Him!