Monday, November 30, 2009


Reality TV shows.

What is it about watching someone lose 240 lbs. on TV that makes us cry (while eating double-fudge ice cream and sitting on the couch after a long day of no physical activity whatsoever)? Why are we so enthralled by everyday people being judged by predictable personalities (insert your favorite Simon or Randy phrase here. I choose: YO DAWG, THAT WAS ON FIYAH, WHAAAAT)? I wonder if there is a total of how many reality TV shows that are airing every week. And the combinations are endless! You want a Sopranos drop-out who likes to make pastries and cupcakes? You want a Brittish woman to correct your candy-crazed disrespectful kids? Or how about another Brittish woman communicating with your dog so it will stop urinating on your couch? How about chronicling the lives of barely famous filthy rich women whose husbands work so they can waste even more money? These are all actual shows! And if you can name all of these shows mentioned, I commend [condemn] you.

Do you know what the crazy fact is? You are in a reality show. It's not on TV. This is real. And everyone is watching. Hebrews 12:1 says,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings to closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

It's the Amazing Race. But you are the star, and the audience is all of the heroes of the faith who have gone before us. My trusty NIV study Bible states that "the Greek word 'witnesses' is the origin of the English word 'martyr' and means 'testifiers.' They bear testimony to the power of faith and to God's faithfulness." And if that does not spur you on to live the life that God has called for you, check out Hebrews 4:13,

"And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Not only does God see all that we do, say, and think, He also lets us know that we are going to have to answer to all that we have done with the life He has given to us.

You're on TV. It's really real. And you do not know how long your story will last. How will you act? Who will you be?

Let's watch and find out.




...Right after this commercial break.

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