Burt Reynolds 1936-2018

What unregenerate teenage boy (or most men!) would not have wanted to have what this Hollywood megastar had? Back in the seventies if I were offered what Reynolds had, or Christ, I know what I would have chosen! O how things change in but a short lifetime!

Probably best remembered for Smokey and the Bandit which shot him to super-stardom; he really did have it all, the looks, charisma, women, cars, planes, helicopters, mansions, restaurant chains, and whatever else one could desire! He spent his millions as fast as they were coming in! A pet saying of mine always used to be, "it doesn't matter how much you spend, as long as there is more coming in!"

Reynolds became a bankrupt, but subsequently emerged from it when his career re-established itself later on, but not to its former 'glory', and a quick scan through his obituary revealed that he was making films right up to his last hour, it is said that he died just before his scenes were due to be shot.

From what I have read nothing is said on whether he had a faith of any sorts, but I doubt that living such a fast, full and busy life that he gave much thought to The Way. It is marvelous that you can have everything, and yet at the last have nothing! likewise the reverse is true! Paul said; I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, but do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Phil. 3.8. Unregenerate men and women can only see what is tangible and it is through their own lust that they desire what the world has on offer, and the Scripture compares Reynolds and his ilk with that of a flower..the grace of the fashion of it perisheth; so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Jam. 1.11. What are the wealth and trappings of the world to be compared with Christ? and what does He say on this wise?  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt. 16.26. Though God in His wisdom and providence gives men earthly riches, fame, and glory; His riches are unsearchable! read Eph.3.8. They cannot be found, lest one be born of the Spirit. Jn. 3.8; and that only through hearing by the word of God, Rom. 10.17, nevertheless, all that the world has to offer is not of the Father, but is of the world, 1 Jn. 2.15-17, yet, He is upholding all things by the word of His power. Heb. 1.3 (my emphasis).

I cannot know for certain where Reynolds is now, though, no doubt he does, though from what I have read, I have a very good idea. Would any dare to say such a one hadn't, at any time, heard the Gospel of Christ?

He really did have it all, all the world could offer! yet without Christ, a man will, at the last day have nothing, and in fact, a whole lot worse  than nothing.