“I am only an unworthy servant; just doing my duty” (Luke 17:10).
I’ve noticed that actors seem to be an insecure bunch.
On the reruns of the old Match Game show (Game Show Network; these shows were run in the 1970s), celebrities are asked to supply answers that match those given by the contestant. Invariably, the guest celebs are so frightened their contributions will be laughed at (in the wrong way) by the audience. Their nervous laughter betrays them.
It’s understandable. And even endearing.
The longtime “mayor of Hollywood” was Johnny Grant, who died in 2008. It was an honorary position since Hollywood is a district of Los Angeles. But Mr. Grant was known for his participation in the Hollywood Walk of Fame when a star would be placed on a sidewalk to honor a celebrity. I heard him say once that in all the years of his involvement, he had never met one celebrity–not one–who was not insecure and afraid no one would show up for the little ceremony.
My wife and I were watching the PBS series on Queen Victoria last Sunday evening. This segment dealt with the publicity the queen received which threw everyone for a loop. An artist had sketched her giving one of her seven children a bath. A print shop made hundreds of copies and sold them on the streets. The public was crazy about the drawings. But Buckingham Palace was not so sure. The queen’s advisors were alarmed and they upset the queen by assuring her the mystery and dignity of her office, of “the crown,” were being undermined. She was torn, unable to decide what to do, until she learned that the public adored this image of her. It personalized their queen and they loved it.
Insecurity in anyone is a frightening thing and can actually cause a ton of problems.
Pastors can be among the world’s worst at handling their insecurities.