The Very Best Thing in the World?

Back in December of 2006, a poll was conducted in England among children under ten years of age. They were asked, “What do you think is the very best thing in the world?” The top three answers: “being a celebrity,” “good looks,” “being rich.” (Source: The Evening Standard, December 17, 2006)
Interesting, isn’t it—what kids think is important? Andy Warhol coined the phrase, “fifteen minutes of fame” and now, even kids want it. No wonder— photographers crowd around the rich and famous, seek the celebrities’ autographs and opinions, and want to be like them.
I believe this fervent desire comes from a distortion of a true need, the need to be appreciated. However, what we have today is very close to worship of individuals. Their name, their opinions, and their images are all sought in the effort to influence other people and their lives. Of course, not all celebrities seek that status; nor do all of them revel in it.
This leads us to the very essence of everyday life: Whom should we seek as the model and influence of our lives? We may immediately answer: “Jesus!” But do we betray our real allegiance by following closely the latest celebrity gossip and entertainment shows? Do we pattern our wardrobe/hairstyles by the latest quirk of some celebrity? Do we allow a famous person to persuade us on some political or moral issue in which their only “qualification” is fame? And finally, do we give lip service to Jesus by making our religion a compartmentalized thing only to be professed, or at the most, practiced only on Sundays and Wednesdays?
John Lennon, of the “Beatles” once said, “We’re bigger than Jesus.” In the eyes of many people in 1968, he was probably right. The ways of Jesus do not sit well with most people. People tried to make Jesus a celebrity, but when they truly understood what he was about, they left him (John 6:60), and some eventually crucified him.
Jesus did not come to earth to be a celebrity—he came to serve (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5-7). One who truly seeks to follow Jesus will quickly see that the ways of Jesus differ radically with those of most celebrities.
Children need to be taught that true greatness comes through service to God and others. By the way, that poll I mentioned above—the very best things in the world—God came in at number ten.
We have work to do.
—Lance Cordle