Who Is The Real Celebrity?

Of all places, it happened at a Texas Baptist Evangelism Conference I once attended.  But it is happening every day.
 
Three speakers were on the program that night.  One was a pastor.  One was an evangelist.  One was a professional football player.  Each man spoke of what Christ meant in his life.  Each man gave inspiring messages. 
 
The phenomenon I noticed occurred when the session was over.  As the people spilled out of the convention center, some stayed behind to visit with the speakers.  Who do you think attracted the biggest crowd?
 
The evangelist who poured out his heart?  The pastor who shared a powerful message God placed on his heart?  Or the football player who told of his Christian faith on and off the field?
 
You probably guessed it.  When the session was over, the crowd swarmed around the football player, seeking his autograph.  Hardly anyone spoke to the evangelist or pastor.  These two stood around smiling at folks and watching them crowd the football player.
 
Don't get me wrong.  I am glad for football players who live for Christ on and off the field.  Our society seems to worship sports figures and actors.  But it tends to ignore at best and insult at worst, preachers.
 
In eternity, will it matter whether one was a sports star or preacher?  Will one be more important than another to God?  I think not.  Our God is no respecter of persons.  It will not matter who they were in this life, how popular they were, or how well they played the game.  But it will matter whether they knew Jesus.  When they know him, everyone is special.