Bale, Phelps, et al

Actor Christian Bale recently went on an expletive-filled tirade that was recorded and played over and over. Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps was caught taking some hits on a bong. A picture of the incident has been plastered and fixed on our TV screens.

Many have said that they are completely disgusted with the antics of these guys. They won't go to see any movie with Bale in it or will boycott products endorsed by Phelps.

"They're supposed to be 'role models' and they let us down," people say (or something to that effect). Some people are even falling apart because they are left without someone to emulate.

Fine.

Here's what I think: If I need a "role model" and it isn't me, I'm in big trouble. When I live vicariously through public figures (or anyone else for that matter) I am nothing but an empty shell. I'm living someone else's life rather than my own. Revolving my entire significance and being and life on a few select individuals is a recipe for failure. Face it-- these people are not that great. They're talented, yes. But as members of the human race they are no better or no worse than you and me. Actors, athletes, politicians, entrepreneuers, pastors, teachers, motivational speakers-- it doesn't matter who they are. Not one of them will ever make a great role model or hero.

Remember that ad campaign in the early 90's "Be Like Mike" [Michael Jordan]? If I remember correctly, it was for a cereal brand or for a shoe company-- can't remember exactly. But, be like Mike???!!! Why bother? This isn't meant to excoriate his amazing athletic ability on the court. It's just realistic. I don't want to be like Mike. I want Mike to be like Mike. And I can play a game of basketball for the sheer joy of it and without this fantasy swirling in my head to be like Mike. And that doesn't mean that I can't learn some basketball skills from him.

Eddie Van Halen has been my favorite guitar player since I was in high school. He's divorced and has been in and out of detox and rehab. He's a cancer survivor. And I couldn't care less. I like him. I admire his talent. But what good does it do to sit around and wring my hands because of the tragic downfall of a celebrity? And that doesn't mean that I can't sharpen up my guitar skills by listening to the man play.

Watching my own language, making sure I don't smoke pot, and keeping my marriage intact is my job-- not floundering over the indiscretions of overblown stardom. So, I can go see a movie starring Christian Bale and enjoy it for what it is. I can buy a product endorsed by Michael Phelps without a painful story that says he shouldn't have partied so hard or that he must apologize. I can watch old footage of Michael Jordan playing basketball thankful for such agility and prowess. I can listen to Van Halen because my life is not defined by Eddie's personal demons.

I have one role model: me. And that's not even true, because the fact is I don't need a role model. I have friends and acquaintences whom I consider to be mentors. They give me good ideas. They help me sort things out. Why would I ever want to imitate them? And if any of them experienced a downfall, I could help them without being blown away by disappointment and futility.

I know what you might be thinking: What about Jesus? Isn't he a role model?

In short, no. He's our Messiah, and he lives in and through his body, the Church (that's you and me). He doesn't need our admiration and adulation. He wants ambassadors who are not at all diminished by obsessing over him, but who are filled with his Spirit. We are called to follow, not wallow. We pray for his strength, his love, his kingdom to bear on our tired world filled with role models and hero worship. This is what Christ empowers us to do. This is worship.