Rethink Rehab
If you like watching the stars and think that rehab is in –think again.
A new study by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University concludes that pop and rock stars in Europe and America are twice as likely as the rest of us to die an early death. And there’s no Hollywood therapist who can help with that. At least, after the fact.
Of the 1,050 stars studied in the research who became famous between 1956 and 1999, 100 of them died. And get this. The average age of death for American stars was 42 years old, and for European stars it was 35! Still wish you could be Britney Spears or Brad Pitt? No thanks.
Try a different lifestyle, like one that heeds this divine directive, “Do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1,2). God’s instructions for living include all kinds of guidance, but the greatest is the gift of his love and forgiveness that leads us to a fulfilled life now and a forever life in heaven. That may not necessarily mean living to the ripe old age of 99, but with God it’s quality of life that counts more than quantity. One prayer in the Bible asks, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).
Now there’s a good reason to sing. And the song stays on the top of the charts forever.
Have a good life!
PRAYER: Have mercy on me, God, when my risky behavior and my abuse of your blessings threatens to shorten my life, and worse yet, to endanger my faith. Hem me in by commanding your angels to be on guard, and prevent me from foolish pleasures that feel good now but not later. Strengthen me to do your will with the spiritual wisdom that comes from your Word, and work through the popular and powerful people of our day to make ever clearer your grace for those who turn to you. Amen.