Celebrity Status—No Substitute for Character

Posted August 31, 2007

A commentary by David Cobb

In a disturbing series of developments, American sports hero Michael Vick, quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League, has once again shown that being a celebrity is not the same as being a good person. Vick recently pled guilty to criminal charges related to a dog-fighting operation he reportedly ran. His actions, detailed publicly in the news media and more extensively in the legal system, have placed his career and personal freedoms in serious jeopardy.

Writing for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jeremy Redmon stated, "In pleading guilty, one of the most exciting and polarizing figures in the NFL faces prison, fines and a lengthy league suspension." Added to these penalties is possible "prosecution by the state of Virginia on animal cruelty charges that carry up to 40 years in state prison."

Without doubt, training animals for violent combat to the death is no trivial charge. However, the most troubling allegations against Vick include participation in the execution of weaker animals through hanging, drowning and other cruel means.

Celebrity status causes the personal flaws of many famous individuals to be downplayed or glossed over. But the Bible shows that the true character of an individual always becomes evident eventually.

Another biblical principle is apparent in the sad story of Michael Vick: There is no such thing as an insignificant choice when it comes to character. Even the things that seem not to matter are of great importance to God.

Consider this, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10). From the day He created them, God intended that man would have responsibility for the animals.

It is interesting to note that the caretaker role is not a trivial chore, but a privilege that pertains to righteousness. God Himself cares intimately for His creation. Jesus Christ once said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God" (Luke 12:6).

God expects each of us to develop the same care and concern that He has as we carry out the responsibilities He gives us. He assigned a high level of stewardship to mankind in the Garden of Eden, telling Adam to "tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15). God also instructed man to "fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28).

The dominion that He intended was that man be a shepherd, never a cruel and heartless master. For more on this important topic, read "Did God Give Animals Rights?"

Indeed, Michael Vick's downfall exposes a scriptural principle: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10). A person who would steal a dollar from a friend could steal a million dollars given the opportunity. A person who would torturously kill a dog for sport could risk using violence on people for reasons just as trifling and petty.

The career and celebrity life of Michael Vick may be permanently damaged, but your life need never be saddled with the consequences of such poor decisions. Think vertically! Remember—the little things do matter when it comes to character. VT