by Jeremy Paschall
Years ago, there was a famous Hollywood actress by the name of Billie Burke. On one occasion, she was traveling across the ocean on a ship when she noticed that a gentleman at the next table was suffering from a terrible head cold. She asked him, “Are you uncomfortable?” The man nodded.
She said, “I’ll tell you just what to do about it. Go back to your room and drink lots of orange juice, take two aspirins, cover yourself with all the blankets you can find, and sweat the cold out. I know just what I’m talking about. I’m Billie Burke from Hollywood.”
The man smiled and said, “Thanks.” He paused, then added, “By the way, I’m Dr. Mayo from the Mayo Clinic.”
When it comes to medical matters, I would certainly rather take the sound advice of a highly-esteemed physician over that of a famous actress. Yet it seems that many today continue to listen to Hollywood rather than their own good sense or the professional counsel of a doctor. Thousands, if not millions, eagerly follow the latest “miracle diet” or use the newest “youth potion”. Instead of heeding the guidance of those who really know, they yield to the winds of pop culture.
Likewise, when it comes to spiritual matters, we have a choice. On one hand, we could look to celebrities and follow the trends of pop culture regarding spirituality, as many do. On the other hand, we could look to those we regard as “wise” and listen to their “wisdom” regarding the path to spiritual enlightenment. Or we could look to the stars, practicing astrology in our search for answers. We could, as many have, even look to angels trying to find spiritual fulfillment. All of these are options, all of which have been chosen by multitudes.
Or we can look to Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is God. He created the world, sustains it by His hand, rules His Kingdom, and redeems those who meet His terms of pardon. He alone has the power to cleanse us of sin. He is the One worshiped by angels, and all the other creatures of the universe should likewise bow before Him. He is the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, unchanging, and eternal Christ. Why would you look anywhere else?
“...Many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.’” (John 6:66-69)
Peter understood that only Jesus had the answers to life’s most important questions. Only the Son of God can provide the necessary instructions to guide mankind from this life to life eternal. There was no one else to turn to.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6)
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Will you heed the words of the only One who can save your soul? To whom will you go?