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The Destruction Of Our Princes
by Ken Barnes "You must not have any other god but me. (Deuteronomy 5:7 NLT) In last two generations, we have seen many of our major pop icons self-destruct. Why? Could it be that man is designed to worship and not be worshiped? Three of our most popular cultural symbols, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Prince have perished through self-inflicted means in less than fifty years. All three had immense talent and charisma that invoked adulation that was almost unprecedented. These men developed almost cult followings due to their entertainment genius even though it may have never been their intent. Idolatry happens when legitimate things become ultimate things. There is nothing wrong with recognizing and enjoying great talent, but when those gifts become the driving force in our life, they, in essence, become our god. When we start to deify a person we never do him or her a favor. We put them in role in which they can never succeed. It is very difficult to meet the job qualifications of God, all-seeing, all- knowing, and all-loving, etc. God is the only one who is worthy of our veneration. God wants our reverence but he does not actually need it. He is self-sufficient. He desires it from us because he knows it's best for us. Man, unlike God is self-centered, and therefore needy. The more adoration he receives the more he desires it to make him feel complete. It is unsustainable. History records that our brightest stars have started to self-medicate to dull the pain of their existence. I am not trying to condemn these men. Actually, all of us bear a little responsibility for their fate. We are a part of a culture that increasing worships the creature rather than the creator. I worked for seventeen years as a missionary with Youth With A Mission. My missionary work has taken me to Mexico, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Spain, and Ukraine. I hold a Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Commonwealth University. [email protected] Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |