Celebrity musings

I've been thinking about the life of celebrities, and what it means to be one. Or rather, what it will take to be one, what perks it offers, and what is the price one has to pay. 

I've also been thinking about being celebrity in the Christian world. Obviously, no matter what we say about people being equal in our 'godly' world, we would still gasp, stare and want to take pictures if Darlene Zschech came to our church, and if say Joyce Meyer, John Bevere etc appeared near us. Their lives are much more scrutinized, criticized and admired. 

This brings me to Taiwan and celebrity life here, especially in church. It does seem like if you're a christian celebrity or a secular celebrity [secular meaning in entertainment that's not necessarily christian per say] , or even an upcoming one, you do get VIP treatment in some churches. You get reserved seats. You get more attention. You get pointed out by the pastor. You get a lot people trying to be really nice to you and 'cultivate' you. You get a lot of open doors.

I feel slightly uncomfortable with it all. I've tasted a little of such treatment because I was first introduced to a certain church as an upcoming artiste. But it feels weird. What happens if I'm not one anymore? What about the 'normal' people? Why should artistes or pastor celebrities get more VIP treatment thn the average person? Why should we get free tickets? Reserved seats? More care? Does God really care about whether you're more famous or not[except that one has to bear the responsibility of being a good influence and role model].

I saw that a little with churches I've visited, or I've been at in both OZ and Taiwan. I mean, Guy Sebastian gets pointed out and greeted by the the pastor if he's back up-singing in the worship team. Why should he? Does every other back-up singer get pointed out in church? Obviously not. [Clarification: I'm a big fan of Guy. Love his music and voice. But this is church]. 蔡琴, a famous older singer in Taiwan, gets greeted if she's in church too. I mean, it's not like the PM of a country is coming for an official visit....I understand that there is some VIP treatment involved in such official functions. But then again, should there? If he's just here for a visit now and then should we point him out all the time? Who is the PM in God's eyes that he should get special treatment above other 'average' people? Of course, we'll pray for him as the governing authority. We'll love him with the love of Christ, but isn't that love supposed to be for everyone?

Sometimes, I'm crowding with 2000-3000 people for conferences in my church, and I do admit I wish I'm a bit more well-known, so that I don't have to line up. I don't have to get irritated and frustrated with crowds and having no seats ready. I can sit in front like some other celebrity that happened to attend church that day, though in no way is their spiritual life steady or anything like that. Or I wish I'm even a christian celebrity....just not some nobody in the crowd. Makes me want to climb the whole 'ladder' of christian leadership for totally the wrong reasons because VIP treatment is so much more comfortable and fun. 

But it's all....wrong....values and heart wise. One's thinking can be so complicated sometimes.  One's motivation to be anything should be love for God, love for people and a passion to live out the destiny God has for you and I. But it's so easy, I now can sense, to be intoxicated with the sense power and control and comfort that comes from fame or position. And I have been facing my only hidden  desire for it squarely so that I can deal with it properly. I don't think God will let promotion happen until I can find a sense of peace about all of this, and a clear sense of the principles I should follow.