Is there an example of a great man or woman in the Bible who walked away from the trappings of celebrity?

on Apr 29, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My doctoral thesis looks at narcissism as a mental disorder, elaborating on celebrities in all fields of industry who successfully turned away from its trappings. Is there an example of a great man or woman in the Bible who walked away from the trappings of celebrity? – C.S.

A: “By faith Moses … refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:24-25, NKJV).

The culture has had much success in infiltrating people’s minds by centering thoughts on themselves. The Bible is filled with testimonies of those who, by God’s grace, were victorious over Satan’s power. No one is beyond the reach of God.

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as one of the Bible’s great chapters. Some call it “The Bible’s Hall of Fame.” Noah and Abraham come to mind from the Old Testament. Only Noah and his family survived the great flood. Abraham was brought into an unknown land and became the father to many nations by the power of God. These men were faithful to God through obedience, and they had faith in Almighty God.

The Apostle Paul was nearly shipwrecked, stoned and left for dead, but the Lord raised him up. The Apostle Peter, imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, was rescued by an angel. His chains fell off and an angel escorted him out of prison. Peter remembered how Jesus saved him from being buried at sea when he took his eyes off the Lord on that miracle walk on the water.

Why did these men remain faithful? Because their faith was in God and His promises – not in their feelings or accomplishments. If our faith is merely built on our feelings, we will also sink. “If anyone thinks himself to be something … he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)