Reflection on Money and Wealth: A Spiritual Lesson from Jim Carrey

“I hope everybody could get rich and famous and will have everything they ever dreamed of, so they will know that it’s not the answer.” – Jim Carrey

Yesterday my pastor Ed Young read this quote by Jim Carrey during his sermon. Ed was making the point that instead of living for fame, money, notoriety, status, etc., we need to focus on the things that will last for eternity instead of those things mentioned above that will one day pass. Ed mentioned Instagram and how so many people have become obsessed with how many followers they have and how many likes their pictures receive, and how so many people are longing for fame and attention from others.

The Jim Carrey quote really resonated with me yesterday. I am in no way insinuating that I’m in the same class as Jim Carrey, but I think a lot of people look at my “fame” and think, “I wish I were in his shoes. All my problems would be solved.” I’m here to tell you that fame and adoration from others fixes nothing. In fact, it usually just makes your problems worse. I’ll come back and talk about money as soon as I figure out how to make it, but as for fame, let me tell you that it’s very empty. Sure, Catherine and I are able to take part in many cool events and travel and meet wonderful people, but none of those things deliver self-worth. I’m also not ashamed to say that I know our fame is very temporary. In a few more years, I doubt if anyone will remember me or my season of The Bachelor. What I do know is that I serve a God who loves me and wants me to share his love with others and it’s in that, that I derive my self-worth.

So to Pastor Ed’s point, let’s live for something bigger than ourselves. Let’s live for a God who changes and restores lives. Investing in people as opposed to trying to impress people will leave a lasting effect through eternity whereas fame and money will be quickly fleeting.

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My book “For the Right Reasons” explores my faith and time on reality tv:

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