ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD
Thursday 5 November, 2009
Arts
UK
Danii Minogue performing in 2004
By Charles Gardner
I felt sad watching X-Factor judge and pop star Danii Minogue being interviewed by Piers Morgan, now a fully-fledged member of the celebrity circuit himself despite being unceremoniously sacked as editor of the Daily Mirror after the newspaper conceded that photos of British soldiers abusing an Iraqi were fake.
The interview was a typical example of TV coverage in our celebrity-driven culture, with the focus all so very superficial apart from a foray into Danii’s shock of discovering that megastar sister Kylie had cancer.
But it was soon back to more eye-raising issues like what made her pose nude for Playboy magazine and the fact that she had recently gone in for breast ‘enhancement’.
To read some of our popular papers, you would hardly think there was any kind of world outside of the celebrity circus. And yet we are bombarded with daily reports of terrible tragedy and suffering.
By contrast to the Morgan-Minogue interview, I was inspired at hearing what happened to our pastor’s wife who narrowly escaped being crushed when a car ran into the back of her vehicle as she was disposing of waste at the local tip. The driver had apparently collapsed at the wheel and, sensing danger, Annette jumped out of the way in the nick of time.
Her car was a write-off, but she was safe and unharmed, attributing such to divine protection. More to the point, she subsequently showed much concern to the driver and his wife, who sent her a thank-you note expressing their amazement that, though they had crashed into her car, she had only responded with kindness and care for them!
It reminds me of the Apostle Peter, who writes that faith in Christ is more precious than gold, which perishes even though tried by fire. I have read that gold bullion is now on sale at Harrods for those wishing to make a relatively secure investment in these dire economic times.
But former Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey apparently didn’t think much of the gold and silver treasure he accumulated during his time in office as gifts from various political and religious leaders – he threw them in the river where divers have now recovered them!
City slickers seek for gold, and too often ignore something far more valuable – a faith in God that can never perish even though tested by fire and which itself guarantees eternal life. Compare that to temporary wealth that can disappear like the morning mist. The Apostle James, the brother of Jesus, talks of the rich passing away “like a wild flower”.
As for celebrities, the Bible teaches that God looks on the heart and that true beauty is to be found on the inside – in the tender thoughts and loving care of a man or woman of faith (i.e. depending on God as their source of help, comfort, strength and wisdom).
Those who rely on their own strength and wisdom for living are left empty when the storms hit. But those for whom God issues are a priority will even have material needs like food and clothing met, according to Jesus, who said: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
Even gold will perish, but God’s word will last forever. Trust him.
Photo: Public Domain
Muriel Anderson wrote:
Why on earth does Mike Maybury read Lifebite? Is he waiting for someone to show him his folly in rejecting God (the one, true, Creator God who loves him more than he could ever imagine? I suggest he reads Psalm 14, gets down on his knees and repents.
Kevin Yates wrote:
An excellent and timely article Mr Gardner.
It is high-time we took a hard look at the celebrity culture and the materialism that follows this trashy culture of ours.
Let Christians really practise both in spirit and in deed the poverty virtues of Christ who asked all men to let go of their wealth and to follow Him.
Alex Woods. wrote:
One of my friends was throwing his treasures into a river so I suggested he sell them instead and give the money to missions. Which he did.
Congratulations Mike for being a good Samaritan. Our faith in God which we want to share with you is because we want you to enter Heaven when you die.
Mike Maybury wrote:
Please, when you refer to God, preface it by the Christian God, or the Jewish God. There are so many Gods in the world, all figments of imagination by one or more individuals.
Is it not about time that we all take responsibility for our actions?
We cannot expect some outside ‘power’ to intervene.
In the case of the pastor’s wife, the change in sound from the engine clearly alerted her. We take such actions every day, walking in crowded streets.
Recently I was ridden into by a cyclist on the pavement (riding illegally!) My shopping bags were split open, but I did not suffer even a bruised shoulder, despite his speed and weight. As he was prostrate and unconscious under his cycle I ran to summon an ambulance (I don’t have a mobile!) 2 angels (from the NHS) appeared and succoured him.
There I was - saved by God! No bruise! The ‘attacker’ laid unconscious. I acted as a good Samaritan! Yet I’m an atheist!!! I don’t know where the angels came from (yes I do!) It’s better than religion!!
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