My family immigrated from England to Australia when I was young. My mother never expected to return to England so she took my brother and me to visit historical sites around London before we left.
We went to Buckingham Palace and other residences of the royal family and saw great wealth and luxury. However, my mother always said she was glad not to be part of the royal family. She recognised that all their wealth and fame didn’t compensate for their lack of freedom.
And yet many strive for wealth and fame.
Wealth and fame
Many young people are attracted to high-paying careers with little thought as to whether they will find the work fulfilling or meaningful. Many are attracted to reality television shows, believing it will allow them to find fame.
Social media has encouraged false expectations as people watch the very small minority become famous via social media channels.
In 2010, the Barna Group surveyed hundreds of teenagers and found that a quarter of them expected to be famous or well known by the time they reached 25. One wonders where they are today. Are they disillusioned or still seeking the elusive fame they desire?
Jim Carrey, the famous, well-paid actor, is quoted as saying, “I wish everyone could get rich and famous and have everything they ever dreamed of so they would know that's not the answer.”
What is the answer?
Money and fame aren’t reliable sources of healthy self-esteem. Material possessions and media attention don’t give us a lasting sense of purpose or a meaningful existence.
Whereas God offers us “the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians chapter 1 verse 7) for our past; “abundant life” (John chapter 10 verse 10) for our present and “eternal life”(1 John chapter 2 verse 25) for our future.
Yet this isn’t a life without difficulties. In fact, Jesus promised us trouble. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John chapter 16 verse 33).
God is the source of our hope. As Esther discovered when she was abruptly called from obscurity to a palace.
Susan Barnes has been involved in pastoral ministry for over twenty years with her husband, Ross. They are now semi-retired and enjoy supporting a number of churches in north-east Victoria. You can find more of Susan’s articles at: https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/susan-barnes.html
