Fame

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:1-2

They have lived and now they have all died. Robin Williams, Prince, Muhammad Ali, Princess Di, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Whitney Houston, and the list goes on.  They all have left their mark on this world.  It can be perceived to be good and bad. I have so many thoughts when person leaves this earth. The world erupted when Muhammad Ali passed into eternity.  As I read the comments scrolling the bottom of the screen after Ali's death, I just felt sad and hurt for the millions of people who found false hope in him.  He had supporter's from all over the world, people who believed in what he believed in, just like any other celebrity.  So many people rallied behind him in his victories and defeats, and in his private moral choices.  This is even true for the Elvis's and the Hitler's. Those with such huge fame. Those with large followings and people who lean in and truly love them and respect their opinions, beliefs and teachings.  The world mourns when a celebrity dies.

So I say all of that to say, I am saddened that we as humans rely so heavily on another human for our hope, entertainment, happiness, and beliefs. Yes, it hurts when someone leaves and enters into eternity, but my real point is not that they have died, but is that they lived.  Actually, it is what they did while they lived.  These incredibly talented, famous people were all created by God in his image. And while some used their talents is great ways, Joey Feek for instance.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  Genesis 1:27

They were created with a purpose, and with that purpose they have led so many away from Him, and maybe not even on purpose.  And that is something to truly mourn about. And my spirit is saddened.  What if - with their amazing gifts and talents, their platforms, their wealth, their audiences they would have used if for God's Heavenly Kingdom? How would the world have been impacted by their music, their comedy, smiles and laughter?

So my question to myself and to you is: What is your gift? I certainly have no huge audience, or large fan base, but I was still created with a purpose and with gifts.  Are you allowing God to you use your gifts? Your story and testimony? Or are remaining idle or isolated? 

We have been made to be set apart from the world. We are in it, not of it. (John 17:16)

 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.  2 Corinthians 6:17