Rich & Famous or Empty & Miserable?

"I was rich, I was young, I was famous, I could do anything I wanted with whomever I wanted."

Few could utter these words and mean them. But they were true and then some for 80’s sitcom star Kirk Cameron, of the hit show “Growing Pains”. He had it all and more – but soon found it to matter little if at all. Despite his smashing success at an early age, he began questioning whether or not he had reached the pinnacle of what life could offer. If he had, he was not at all happy with it!

His fame and fortune brought the usual - along with scores of adoring fans, stalkers and even occasional kidnapping threats. He recalls at times being transported in a bulletproof car, something that prompted thoughts of his own mortality. Eventually Cameron started reading the Bible, attending church, and became a committed Christian by trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior. From that time forward, the former heartthrob experienced his own ‘spiritual growing pains’ which then led to an amazing evangelistic outreach.

Today TV’s lovable Mike Seaver, as he was known back then, is using his name and talents to reach others for Christ and providing resources for others of the faith to do the same. After starring in some low-budget Christian films, including the "Left Behind" series, Cameron teamed up with a former surf shop owner turned preacher, to form “Way of the Master Ministries”. Among other things, they offer cutting-edge instruction on how to effectively share one’s faith without the fears and insecurities often experienced by many believers.

Kirk Cameron is today content and secure in his new life. His new priorities, however, have not come without a price – but one he is willing to pay. His acting career has not exactly blossomed since his public conversion as producers are well aware that his convictions will likely trump any questionable content he is not fully comfortable conveying.

The former child star’s consistent testimony and bold lifestyle quickly conjure up the Lord’s own words in Mark 8. In Verse 34 Jesus offers up a most sobering challenge. "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

Later the Lord echoed those same sentiments in chapter 10 as he lovingly dealt with a wealthy man who had sought Him out. The words seemed sincere, but this seeker’s heart could not make the necessary break with his prized worldly goods. Verse 21 reads, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

“The Way Of The Master” is more than a concept, a website, or the title of a fine ministry outreach. It is a way of viewing life - a way of evaluating its every aspect. It is a way of facing life’s challenges and a way of making each one somehow count for Christ. It is a way of selfless service presented by a serious saint. And it is the only way whereby man can experience the very purpose for which he was created!

Adhering to the way of the Master is highly beneficial in this life. Beyond that, it is wonderful preparation for the life to come, not to mention the only way to someday hear those highly coveted and welcoming words of Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Bill Breckenridge