Why Influencers, Actors & Leaders Struggle to Get to Heaven

Jesus didn’t mince words. “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
- Matthew 19:24

At first glance, this can sound harsh. Why would God make it hard for the wealthy to enter heaven? The truth is not that riches themselves are evil, but that the temptations that come with them are deeply dangerous to the soul. In our modern world of influencers, actors, politicians, and powerful public figures, this warning from Christ could not be more relevant.

The Temptations of Power, Pleasure, and Prestige

We live in an age where fame and fortune are seen as the highest goals. But Scripture reminds us that the enemy is very cunning, and sometimes, Satan gives people power not to reward them, but to own them.

“The devil took him to a very high mountain… ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you bow down and worship me.’”
- Matthew 4:8-9

Even Jesus was tempted with wealth and kingdoms. Do we really think we’ll be spared? People rise to fame, sometimes even starting as faithful Catholics, and then slowly begin to compromise. Maybe it starts small: ignoring prayer, missing Mass, chasing applause. But soon, they begin using their platform to support things Christ would never approve of:

Publicly advocating for abortion or contraception
Promoting or glorifying premarital sex or drug use
Mocking chastity, religious tradition, or moral boundaries
Labeling truth as “hate” while praising sin as “freedom”

And millions of young people listen. They follow. They imitate.

When the Idol Becomes the Agent

Jesus warned us clearly: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea.”
- Mark 9:42

That is how serious this is. Actors, musicians, YouTubers, and influencers who once went to Catholic school or wore a crucifix now openly use their voice to normalize sin. Maybe they didn’t mean to, but when you don’t guard your soul, Satan can twist your influence into something dark. What starts as a desire for success ends as a life lived for self, not God.

Fame is a Test of the Soul

Being successful is not a sin. Some of the greatest saints were wealthy, but they used their influence for God, not for self-promotion. The real question is: Are you living a life Jesus would be proud of?

If you’re a celebrity or influencer, are your words pointing people to truth or to sin?
If you’re an artist or leader, do your works reflect God’s beauty and justice or just your ego?
If you have power or wealth, are you serving the poor or just serving yourself?

God gives gifts for His glory - not ours. And if we forget that, we’re in danger of losing not just our influence, but our soul.

The Call to Holiness in the Spotlight

To all actors, influencers, and leaders: You have a moral responsibility. People are watching. Kids are listening. God is watching too.

“To whom much is given, much will be required.”
- Luke 12:48

Stay grounded. Go to Confession. Stay close to the Eucharist. Examine your conscience daily. Ask yourself honestly: Would Jesus be proud of what I said today? Posted today? Supported today? And to all of us (fans, followers, consumers) let’s stop idolizing those who walk away from truth. Instead, lift up those who lead with virtue. Celebrate artists, influencers, and politicians who speak God’s truth with love and live with integrity.

Keep in Mind...

Heaven isn’t reserved for the poor, and hell isn’t guaranteed for the rich. But if we let wealth, fame, or pleasure become our god - there’s no room left in our hearts for the real One. Let’s pray for all public figures. Let’s call them to live as children of light. And if you are one -or hope to be - remember: Your soul is worth more than your success.

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”
- Mark 8:36