What I Like About You
Resident psychologist on Channel 9’s ‘Today’ program Jackie Engel has commented;
Our culture responds to celebrities like a form of spirituality. We are conditioned to believe that looking like them or following the same path will bring meaning and direction to our lives.
I knew I had a problem earlier this year as I sat watching GWN’s ‘Celebrities Uncut’. I was suffering the new psychological condition known as CWS, or Celebrity Worship Syndrome. Symptoms include a longing to know the details about a favorite star or musician: what they wear, how they do their hair, even their favorite foods. Needless to say, I am not alone in this. Psychologists at the University of Leicester interviewed people between the ages of 18 and 60 and found that 36 per cent suffered from some form of CWS.
Each one of us needs role models and mentors in our lives that we can look up to and respect. Sometimes we imitate such people consciously, sometimes is it unconscious. These people motivate and inspire us. They are capable of influencing our desires and attitudes. Unfortunately, the success enjoyed by many of our ‘heroes’ in their particular field does not necessarily mean they are the best of role models in others facets of life.
It is our responsibility to make wise choices about who these role models and mentors should be in our lives. When we look at the person of Jesus Christ we find a person who will never disappoint us and whose example, on every level, stands up to the toughest scrutiny. You can’t get a better role model in life than following the life and teaching of Jesus.
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:7-8
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