Joanna and I found an interesting story in the PARADE magazine insert of the Sunday paper. It was featuring the young actor Shia LaBeouf.
See article: http://www.parade.com/export/sites/default/celebrity/2009/06/shia-labeouf-mixed-up-life.html_71192264.html)

For his age he has been incredibly successful and has already made millions of dollars working with some of Hollywood's biggest names. At 23 and on top of the world this young man confesses his insecurities,

"I know I’m one of the luckiest dudes in America right now,” LaBeouf says. “I have a great house. My parents don’t have to work. I’ve got money. I’m famous. But it could all change, man. It could go away. You never know."

Parade writes, "When LaBeouf is feeling insecure, he sometimes stops his bike on the side of a busy road to see if people passing by recognize him. He is scared that they won’t. " Shia adds,

"Actors live dependent on being validated by other people’s opinions."

This insecurity is masking a form of pride with which we all can struggle. We love ourselves and want to be loved by others to such an extent it begins controlling our actions. How interesting that Shia has everything Americans seem to desire including fame, fortune, popularity, youth, and an exciting career, and yet he is still insecure. Wait a second, aren't these very things (fame, fortune, popularity, youth, etc.) what we desire as solutions to our problems? If only I had a better job...If only I was rich...if only.... But Shia has all these and he is still fearful.

"Sometimes I feel I’m living a meaningless life,” Shia LaBeouf says, “and I get frightened.”

Is it possible that even after obtaining all that life has to offer a person could still live a meaningless life? Shia LaBeouf isn't the only one who thinks so. Jesus said, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)

"I don’t handle fame well,” LaBeouf says. “Most actors on most days don’t think they’re worthy. I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it’s a God-sized hole. If I knew, I’d fill it, and I’d be on my way.”

According to worldly standards Shia has everything! No wonder he doesn't know how to fill it. None of what he has accomplished or obtained has filled it, and again, he has everything. How interesting that he recognizes what is missing as a God-sized hole. Incidentally, we all have a hole similar to his. It comes from a broken relationship with God, and no amount of worldly stuff or effort on our part can ever fill such a hole. Shia could buy any item, act in any film, date any woman, use any drug, and the hole would remain. It's a God-sized hole and only God can fill it.

Jesus said to another rich young man years ago who also wanted to fill that hole, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). This young man went away sad. Jesus was not saying he could buy his way into heaven, he was identifying how the things of the world were keeping him from coming, following, and obtaining what truly matters, eternal life.

Shia is ready for the Gospel. Are you? It is the only way to fill the hole. Understand, all people have sinned, (Rom 3:23) thereby creating the hole. The penalty for sin is death (eternal separation from the one who can fill the hole) (Rom. 6:23). Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom. 5:8). He is the one who can restore you with the God the Father.

Jesus calls us,"come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:28-30).

"Jesus Christ is a Savior who is now alive in heaven, and each [person] should think of Jesus as speaking directly to him or her, saying 'Come to me...and I will give you rest'. This is a genuine personal invitation that seeks a personal response from each one who hears it." --Wayne Grudem

How will you respond?