George Benson in Concert - Cardiff, UK

[The Librarian]

 

[Arauna]

You would think at this age he would put Jehovah first. Instead his career still going....still working hard on his career.  

I do not admire this - sorry.  

[Pudgy]

54 minutes ago, Arauna said:

You would think at this age he would put Jehovah first. Instead his career still going....still working hard on his career.  

I do not admire this - sorry.  

This is a variation of an old joke, but “….you know what you call a musician without a paying gig?”.

”…. homeless.”

Not everybody has the same talents and motivations.

Not everybody can live under a rock, endure exposure to the elements, wear rags, and eat locusts.

I do not admire him either.

In fact I don’t think about him at all.

[TrueTomHarley]

2 hours ago, Arauna said:

You would think at this age he would put Jehovah first. Instead his career still going....still working hard on his career.  

I do not admire this - sorry.  

At Prince’s funeral, one of the congregation’s pioneers told reporters, (I included the quote in the Prince chapter of Tom Irregardless & Me) “I was just standing there and all of a sudden, in he walks. I thought, ‘He just wants to be treated like an average person,’ so I just kind of acknowledged him, and he came in and sat down.” She added: “I think he wanted to be private and my observation is: he had to have his creative outlet. Maybe he just needed it to survive.” 

People do what they need to survive. I’m not sure that he’s not ‘putting Jehovah first.’ Sometimes I fear we expound too much energy trying to pound square pegs into round holes.

[Arauna]

1 hour ago, TrueTomHarley said:

fear we expound too much energy trying to pound square pegs into round holes.

I do not share the same sentiment.  When one is famous and have a lot of income coming in from royalties.... one can cut your life-style and put Jehovah first.

I have a nasty suspicion it is the ego that remains involved.... the need of achieving something and still be admired by the people!

[TrueTomHarley]

6 hours ago, Arauna said:

When one is famous and have a lot of income coming in from royalties.... one can cut your life-style and put Jehovah first.

I would not assume that he is not. Time was when upon coming across someone like him one would say that he has his own special territory, one that others have little contact with. 

As to income, who is to say he does not put it to very good use? The angels may sing out, “Another nickel from Harley!” at the end of the month, but it is guys like (perhaps) Benson who provide most of the practical fuel.

6 hours ago, Arauna said:

I have a nasty suspicion it is the ego that remains involved.

On the other hand, “Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself; he will not station himself before commonplace men.” Do these ones all grovel around in sackcloth? These days ordinary  publishers are given counsel not to let spiritual gifts go to their head. 

I would not conclude just from his work that he has an inflated ego. If he does, he has plenty of company in ones who haven’t separated ego from bring their gift to the altar.

In the mid-seventies, rumors swirled that Glen Campbell had become a Witness. The rumors were untrue. He hadn’t. However, one of his band members had and proceeded to talk Bible so much that an exasperated Glen forbade all discussion of religion during working hours. Who is to say that George is not doing the same before people who cannot tell him to shut up? He’s to quit this gig in order to write letters? Given the restricted forms of ministry available today, it’s even more understandable he would choose to continue what he does.

There is an account of Larry Graham and Prince talking faith backstage. Suddenly there was a lull in the program, and Prince said, “Oh—I think I’m supposed to be out there now.”

[Matthew9969]

9 hours ago, Arauna said:

You would think at this age he would put Jehovah first. Instead his career still going....still working hard on his career.  

I do not admire this - sorry.  

I would imagine your not a fan of tennis either.

[Arauna]

7 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

Have you beheld a man skillful in his work?

I do not think a man must follow his own ambitions after retirement age.  And use skill as an excuse. 

Once one is in the public eye it is very hard to let go.... of the ego. I know all about this. At 70 I can still sing a good dramatic piece.... the voice is no longer a sweet coloratura but it is still exceptional for a person my age to do this..... with little practice too! . I honestly had to fight where I am at right now.   I also know of excellent musicians who no longer follow careers or even play in the JW orchestra. 

Older people like this could set the right example. 

[Pudgy]

42 minutes ago, Arauna said:

I do not think a man must follow his own ambitions after retirement age.  And use skill as an excuse. 

Once one is in the public eye it is very hard to let go.... of the ego. I know all about this. At 70 I can still sing a good dramatic piece.... the voice is no longer a sweet coloratura but it is still exceptional for a person my age to do this..... with little practice too! . I honestly had to fight where I am at right now.   I also know of excellent musicians who no longer follow careers or even play in the JW orchestra. 

Older people like this could set the right example. 

Sounds like a bit of talent based jealousy, to me………

Years ago a musician (guitar) and singer asked me howI liked his performance, which was good.

I replied “There is only one objective way to evaluate musical talent ….. how many zeros are on your paycheck, to the LEFT of the decimal point.”

[TrueTomHarley]

1 hour ago, Arauna said:

I do not think a man must follow his own ambitions after retirement age. 

Well, I don’t think he must, either. 

All he has to do is show up at this point. He can do it in his sleep. Will his practical opportunities to serve God increase if he retires.? If you think so, tell me how.

Does he have a big ego? He might. But I see no reason to be dogmatic about it, any more than to insist that any of our frequent public speakers must have one.

[Arauna]

4 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

oes he have a big ego

Egos cannot be seen. The most gentle and humble looking people can have an ego. Ego is ego -  so what you seem to be saying it is only those with a BIG ego, that is clearly visible, is missing the mark.  Humility can be an exterior quality.

 

4 hours ago, Pudgy said:

like a bit of talent based jealousy, to me…

No, I have no jealousy for a pop singer believe me.  BUT there are many brothers and sisters who have left lucrative political careers, football careers, ballet careers, singing careers, acting careers and other careers for which they have natural talent and have all the necessary skills - for to put Jehovah first in their life.  He is the one who went on with his career - and therefore reminds me of the rich man who turned away from Jesús because his money meant more to him that being a disciple.

Jehovah will be his judge and he may get away with it..... but I would rather show great encouragement to young artists to practice their craft at home for pleasure of their friends - and I tell them it is not the time now to go out in the great entertainment world to make a name for themselves - unless they lose focus and lose their life.

He should know better! And I brought this up because I do not make idols of these kinds of people. 

[Arauna]

13 hours ago, Matthew9969 said:

imagine your not a fan of tennis either

I think there were people who went on to follow a career and ignore jehovah's standards such as the sisters who won so many award.  To tell you the truth I like tennis, cricket, rugby, socker, gymnastics, singing, acting writing ... the list is endless and it can appreciate a good performance.  But when I see a person that has known jehovah for a long time and still opts to put a career ahead of everything - I kinda say something. ....  No hard feelings- to each his own.  I do mentor young singers in the Truth -  and I have seen some of them go into the world to never return....... career and ego.

I always warn them when they are good!