Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
“Do not think that God sits on high taking no account of you. Remember that however poor or needy you are, still the Lord thinks of you.” – C.H. Spurgeon
Remember the reality show, The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? Hosted by Robin Leach, it was broadcast from 1984 to 1995, and featured close-up looks at the extravagant lifestyles of athletes, entertainers, socialites, and business tycoons. After touring their opulent mansions, sailing on their private yachts, and flying in their private jets, Leach would end each episode with his signature catchphrase, offering his viewers “champagne wishes and caviar dreams.”
Yuck! It makes me sick just thinking about it.
In hindsight, the saddest part of the show is the fact that Leach, like so many of the multi-millionaires he profiled, is now dead. He suffered a stroke in 2017 while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas and after another stroke the following year, Leach died in hospice care, five days before his 77th birthday. His only marriage ended in divorce after just nine years.
Leach’s story reminds me of the passage in Luke 16 where a beggar named Lazarus and an unnamed rich man both die. Lazarus is immediately carried by the angels to a place of peace and rest called Abraham’s bosom, whereas the anonymous rich man’s body is buried… and his soul descends into Hades, where he suffers in constant and everlasting torment.
I believe that this story isn’t just a parable, but rather a true depiction of real-life events. There is no other reason why Jesus would have ascribed a name to the beggar, because when He tells the story in Luke 12 of a rich man who lays up earthly treasures so he can retire early and indulge himself, Jesus leaves his name out… referring to him only as a “Fool.”
My friend, God is not a respecter of persons, which means it doesn’t matter to Him what position you hold or how much money you have in the bank. On the contrary, it is the meek and the poor in spirit that Jesus calls “blessed” in Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount. James does likewise in 1:9-11.
You – my not so rich or famous friend – are important to God… and that is all that matters!
“…sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:10 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
