Posted March 8, 2007
Actors and members of royal families around the globe are forever being examined and critiqued. Their likes and dislikes are published. Yet in many ways followers of Jesus Christ receive even more scrutiny. Not in a negative way or for malicious reasons but to encourage their success and probe areas where they need more development and maturity.
The 61-year-old British actress Helen Mirren just recently received her first Oscar. She was named best actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the docudrama The Queen .
The film, originally designed for television, takes viewers into the private lives of members of the British royal family in the days surrounding the sudden death of Princess Diana in 1997. The Queen is shown as being "challenged and misunderstood by an emotional public grieving for the popular and glamorous Diana" (Reuters, February 26, 2007).
Whether or not these insights are entirely accurate, those who watch the film will appreciate some of the pressures of custom, of public opinion, of the influence of the press and of the decorum and humanity of the British Royals.
In Dame Helen's acceptance speech she reflected, "For 50 years and more, Elizabeth Windsor has maintained her dignity, her sense of duty and her hairstyle. She's had her feet planted firmly on the ground, her hat on her head, her handbag on her arm and she has weathered many, many storms."
Actors and members of royal families around the globe are forever being examined and critiqued. Their likes and dislikes are published. The clothes they wear are evaluated for being either trend-setting or passé. Words uttered before microphones that turn out to be unexpectedly 'live' become hallmarks of their character. Their marriages are watched for incidents that could lead to a headline story.
This fish-bowl life is not easy to live.
Yet in many ways followers of Jesus Christ receive even more scrutiny. Not in a negative way or for malicious reasons but to encourage their success and probe areas where they need more development and maturity.
As one Hebrew seer told King Asa of Judah, "For the eyes of the L ORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9, New International Version). The apostle Peter echoes this truth: "For the eyes of the L ORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers …" (1 Peter 3:12).
The apostle Paul explained to the Christians in Corinth that not many of high birth are being called to join God's family in this present age. Why? So "no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
God is calling people from very ordinary backgrounds for extraordinary duties that He has in mind for them later. Truly humble and obedient Christians are already receiving character training for a royal future.
Jesus Christ is destined to become the world's future "King of kings and Lord of lords" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 19:16). At that time resurrected Christians will also become "kings and priests" to work with Him in both ruling and serving the entire world (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 5:10; 20:4).
Consider the commitment and impact of monarchs who genuinely care for their subjects. They make a significant difference to the people to whom they mean so much, often becoming important figures of their nation's heritage.
On the occasion of her twenty-first birthday, young Elizabeth dedicated her life to the service of her future subjects. This task she has faithfully carried out with unusual dedication during her long reign of more than 50 years.
Truly repentant and committed Christians also dedicate themselves a life of service "as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ..." (Romans 12:1, NIV). The apostle Peter speaks of them as "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that [they] may proclaim the praises of Him who called [them] out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 5:9).
The whole world is now suffering from problems that humans alone are not able to make right. "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Romans 8:19-21).
Why not read more about the Kingdom that Jesus Christ has been appointed to establish when He returns. Also read of the duties that as Christ's governing assistants faithful Christians will inherit as the children of God. See how His resurrected sons and daughters, as members of God's family, will receive the recognition of all mankind and the power to realistically and effectively become helpers and servants of all of humanity.
