Star Power

Matt2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." 

It is a normal occurrence in modern life to be led by a star. Now you might say, “I’ve never been led by a star!” but I would suggest you think again. Star power is one of the most important forces in the world today…and probably always has been.

When I worked for the pro-audio company Peavey Electronics in the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, it was very common to have major recording artists visit who used Peavey gear. They would not only be called on to endorse Peavey products, they would also be called in to help design the products they endorsed. And then, Peavey would give them all the free gear they wanted!

I always thought it ironic the wealthiest among us, (those recognized as stars,) were given gear for free, while all us joe-schmoes had to pay through the nose. And the bigger the star – say, an Eddie van Halen - the more free gear they got. So, those who could most-easily afford to buy guitars, amps, and sound equipment, were given that equipment free of charge.

Why? Because us joe-schmoes in the crowd are led by the stars. The bigger the star, the more we are led. If I see a star I ‘love’ using a certain guitar or a certain guitar-amp combination, I am “led” to run right out and buy that same gear. I want that same sound, and the only way to get it is to spend money to buy the same gear. (Because I want to be a star?)

The same for movie and television stars, when it comes to endorsing products, lifestyles, or politicians. I believe it can be strongly argued Hollywood is leading the U.S.A. right into the abyss. Once Hollywood abandoned morality, society followed right along as if pulled by the power of gravity. Some people say Hollywood only mirrors what is happening in society, but I think that is exactly backwards. We (collectively, societally,) are led by ‘stars.’ This is inarguable. It is why they now seek to make politicians stars, and why even some pastors have resorted to seek stardom and popularity to promote their churches.

We are blessed to know there is One Star Who outshines all others, but we have to be very careful. In the night-time sky, the stars are very apparent – unless there is too much other light to obscure them. Can we still see the Light of Jesus clearly, or has His Light become distant and dim, choked out by all the other ‘lights?’ If you were to take an inventory of your heart, whose star are you seeking after? Is it a movie star you try to look like? A music star you want to sound like? Can you still see the Light of the World?

-  Pastor Bill