Lessons Learned From Paris Hilton

I am somewhat concerned my initial title will be wasted on a few of my friends as they may have no idea who Paris Hilton is.  I can picture some quizzical frowns and raised eyebrows of some who are thinking “Paris who?” and perhaps those who know of her reputation are thinking “What good lesson can be learned from this socialite? 

Albeit most people probably don’t consider Ms. Hilton to be an exemplary role model, I have noted a facet of her life that may be worth a bit of reflection.  I am no expert on Paris Hilton, but the one thing I know about her is that she is a “Hilton”.  Wikipedia‘s description of the Hilton Family will tell you they are “a prominent family founded by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton (1887-1979).  His descendants continue to hold varying degrees of wealth and status as socialites, and some have become famous such as great grand-daughter Paris Hilton.”  Wow, what a legacy!  Her grandfather owned a chain of hotels and they have mega bucks.  Nonetheless, in our society wealth is quite a big deal and it takes you places you don’t necessarily deserve to go. 

Being an occasional entertainment show watcher, I have noted Paris gets around quite a bit going to Hollywood premiers, awards shows, fashion shows and TV late night talk shows.  She has also appeared in a couple of reality TV shows; she has recorded her own music album entitled “Paris” and starred in a horror film entitled “House of Wax”.  According to Wikipedia she is “an example of the modern phenomenon of the ‘celbutante‘, the celebrity who rises to fame not because of their talent or work but because of their inherited wealth and controversial lifestyle.” 

So, what is this lesson I have learned from Paris?   Well in my keen observation and sense for the obvious, I get the impression that Paris knows where she comes from and takes full advantage of the “perks” that come from being an heir of her rich Grandpa Hilton.  It appears that she expects to be treated like royalty and enjoys the finest material things from life; i.e.: designer clothing, 4 star hotels, first class travel, etc.  Based on some apparent drug use and incidents with the law, one might also conclude she expects that when she does find herself in trouble it will be handled without her having to face the consequences.   

This observation has caused me to reflect on my own life and brings to question “Whose heir am I?”  “What do I expect as a result of my heritage?” “Do I fully identify with whose I am and understand the resources that are available to me based on my birthright?”  

Although I have an appreciation for my earthly heritage the reality is that my spiritual heritage is the one that excites me.   There are extreme limitations placed on me because of my earthly heritage, but my spiritual heritage removes all limitations on what I am able to be, do, or experience in this life and my after life.  So, what does that mean for me?   Well here are a few things the Bible has to say about it. 

In Galatians 4:6-7 it says “God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” 

Okay! That is cool because I had this enormous desire in my heart that was actually put there by God to which I responded and I became an heir of God!  That is a sweet deal.  Not only do I have the privilege of having an intimate relationship with my heavenly Father, I also get a great inheritance. 

In 1 Peter 2:9-10 it says “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”

Okay!  This is way cool too because I used to be in darkness - but light is truly marvelous.  I have a clear path now.  You know how painful it can be to get up in the dark and stub your toe on the chair (just sayin!).

In 1 Peter 1:3-4 it says “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.”

Okay!  Again, this is way cool because my earthly heritage certainly had its aspects of corruption and the blessing of my parents’ inheritance got spent a long time ago.  God’s inheritance does not fade away!

In 2 Peter 1:3-4 it says “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”

Okay!  I have to admit this is probably one of my top 10 favorite verses in the Bible and I quote it daily.  Not only do I have a great heavenly inheritance…but today and everyday, God has made provision for me.  I remember my pastor describing an analogy of God’s provision and it has stuck in my head for years now - he related it to preparing for a long hike through the mountains and sending supplies ahead of time to preset holding stations.  Just about the time you are ready for more supplies, you reach your holding station and you replenish your stock.  That is like what God’s provision is for us.  He loves us so much that He has gone before us and made provision for anything we need. 

I’m trying to keep this relatively short - so my brief synopsis is this….. Ms. Hilton seems to be keenly aware of her status and place in life as a Hilton.  She seems to draw on the resources available to her.  The more I learn of God and His nature, the more I come to know Him as a loving Father who has given me everything pertaining unto life and godliness, the more I realize that I’ve got it really, really, really good! 

Just sayin!