Boggle the Mind
{Sometimes in life I see things that just don’t make sense to me at all. The past 2 days I have seen something that again just does not make sense. I think that I am somewhat intelligent however I just can’t figure it out, so I am going to tell you about what I saw and then let you explain it to me. }
My wife rarely gets attached to the television but one show that she has followed “religiously” is American Idol. We have watched every season since the first one started and have always had opinions on who should win and who should get voted off. Well this past week the show was revolving around Idol giving something back. It was a show where they raised money for a third world country (forgive me I didn’t watch the whole thing so I don’t know where they were) and talked about how much people were starving and needed America’s help. And although I don’t disagree with that I was amazed at how on this secular TV show they showed us all of these things and then ended the show with a performance of “Shout to the Lord” written by Darlene Zschech. Now they did change the song lyrics in that in the original song it begins “My Jesus” and they changed it to “My Shepherd” but still. I was blow away in disbelief as I watched them sing on live national TV this praise song. I, to be honest had to check my attitude because I began to look for a way that they were making fun of it or how they were going to disrespect God in some way but they didn’t.
So after seeing that take place the night before, I go to an event last night for my children and I am just absolutely blown away at what I see. And this is really the point of my blog. My wife and I decided several years that God was telling us to home school our children, so we are. However, we send them to a Christian school (designed for homeschoolers) one day at week to take art, drama, and Spanish. Well it is the end of the semester and the drama department is putting on their play that they have been working on. When the girls got into the class they were told that they would be performing “The Jungle Book” and I guess that I am just not to bright because although I know the story I assumed that they would put some sort of theme pointing to Christ or something in it that would reinforce a value that we as Christians uphold. Well here is where I just am amazed as I sat through dress rehearsal last night it was just the original story. And although they did it beautifully and my girls look great and they are so excited about it, I was truly disappointed in the school. As a pastor I tell people to make everything in their life reflect Christ. As a father I tell my children to make sure their every action reflects Christ because they never know who is watching. So as a Christian School wouldn’t you assume that people who are not saved might come to see their family in this play and that you might have a short window of opportunity to witness to them? I mean this maybe the only time that someone steps into church and we are going to miss that window.
So I end with a question and I hope that whoever reads this will provide their thoughts.
Does it make anyone sad that American Idol (wolf in sheep’s clothing) is more of a witness than some of our Christian organizations, schools, and even churches? Does this not exhibit some end times qualities in that a secular medium is “acting” like a believer and watering down Christ and his message?
Just my thoughts…
God Bless ~ Tyler
Well Tyler, you pulled me out of the shadows with this one. So here it goes.
First of all let me comment on the American Idol issue. Although I am happy for Darlene that they performed her song on the show, I have to say my first reaction was “That is great and all, but most of them do not even truly know what they are singing about.” I know God can use all things for His good, but whether they changed the lyrics or not I doubt it was done to glorify God. (FYI They sang it again Thurs. night and did say Jesus.)
On the flipside of things I struggle with the balance of boldness in our Christian subculture. Often we don’t stand up for Christ when we should, but also not everything we do has to use the words “Jesus” or “Bible” or even “God”. We can and should witness to those around us in everything we do. We often times are more concerned about making sure others know what we think rather than who we are. If we are really walking with Christ people will see that without us pointing it out to them. No one cares you got a new haircut if you have to point it out to them, but when they notice on their own how much more will they admire it.
Again I ride the fence on this issue so this response is more to add perspective than disagree with Tyler’s implied point of view. But in conclusion I would rather see Christians living real and relevant lives than non-believers acting religious. I think the latter hurst Christianity much more than the former.
I do agree with your perspective in that I would much rather see Christians live real and walk real then anything. And I also agree with the fact that we shouldn’t have to tell others about Christ in our life it should be obvious. However I raise the point that yes not everything we do has to say Jesus or God but there are some venues of our Christian life which inherently should involve the communication of the gospel or a Christ centered message. Therein lies my issue because I felt like this was an opportunity missed. Thanks for the feedback!!
I am pondering your thoughts. I don’t have an answer, but some of my own thoughts to share.
I was blown away when I heard the AI group sing a worship song. I, too, was looking for some sort of “hitch”. I couldn’t wait to share with Lou that the group sang a Christian song. But, I agree with Micah, many of the performers probably had no clue what they were singing, or whom they were singing to. But, maybe a seed was planted and God will use it to His glory.
I can see your disappointment in the Jungle Book play – a missed opportunity. Have you asked the drama teacher why she came to the selection she made? I would be curious to know her reasoning.
Deut. 29:29 basically tells us that some things will remain a mystery to us while we are here on earth.