In today’s society, the desire for celebrity is stronger than ever. The world around us pushes the message that public recognition equals true value. With just a phone and an internet connection, anyone can try to become famous, crafting their own image online and seeking the applause of strangers. Law enforcement officers – who see the darker sides of human motivation – should recognize this pursuit of celebrity for precisely what it is: a dangerous obsession.
I’ve seen this desire for “street cred” on the part of local gang members who were willing to commit the most heinous crimes to gain their notorious reputation. We’ve also seen high profile crimes committed with the hope the result will be national fame and attention. But criminals aren’t the only people who often seek the limelight of their peers and a terrified community. Regular, law-abiding citizens are also disproportionately interested in celebrity in an age where notoriety is available even for online “influencers.”
This cultural pursuit of popularity is rooted in a deep longing for significance and belonging. Social media promises attention and affirmation, but only offers shallow connections. Many hope that a large following means acceptance and respect, but Scripture reminds us these desires can take us away from God’s calling. Real friendship doesn’t come from fans or admirers; it’s grounded in truth, correction, and love—qualities that online audiences rarely offer. As Proverbs says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love; faithful are the wounds of a friend.”
Some chase fame in search of “symbolic immortality”—the hope that their “legacy” will live on after death. But this is a counterfeit to the true, eternal life Christ offers. Even the most celebrated people face isolation, loss of privacy, and pressure to protect a public persona, masking their true selves behind images carefully crafted for the world to see. These dangers are no longer limited to the rich and famous. In an age where anyone can broadcast themselves, the risks of pride, envy, and temptation have never been greater.
Fame can open the door to further cravings—power, wealth, and unhealthy relationships—that undermine integrity and service to others. It can lead us to seek validation from the crowd rather than from our Creator. Police work teaches that we are all vulnerable to these temptations. The more status we gain, the greater the opportunities for compromise.
The life Christ calls us to is radically different. Our worth comes from being known and loved by God, not from our influence or recognition. Our calling as officers is not to be admired, but to serve with humility and honor. Instead of pursuing a temporary legacy in the eyes of the public, we fix our hope on the eternal promise found in Christ. Fulfillment comes not from fans, but from faithful relationships—with God, our families, and our communities.
Let us remember: true acceptance and immortality are gifts from God, not earned by our achievements or fame. May we serve with courage and integrity, seeking His approval above all and finding joy in the knowledge that we are His, no matter who is watching. If you haven’t yet surrenders your life in humility to the Creator of the universe, there is no better time than now. A time is coming when you will eventually face the limits of fame and status. To learn more about the importance of humility, how it contributes to human flourishing and establishes the reliability of the Biblical record, please read The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.
