Reality
I don't watch much reality TV, but I can't help hearing about it. Each show is all about a group of people, previously unknown to each other, working together (or not) to meet certain difficult challenges on the way toward establishing a winner, who usually walks away with a wad of money. Along the way, people are placed onto somewhat arbitrary teams. Individuals make and break friendships, sometimes called alliances, with little lasting regard for anyone except self. Backstabbing gossip is a mainstay of reality TV. Periodically, a person who is determined to be the weakest link is voted off the show.
So, I wonder, what would happen if a group of Christians got together to film a TV reality show? Would they all work together, willingly, toward a common goal, or would they break up into several self-serving denominations? Would people offer encouragement to each other, and pray for each other, regardless of denomination or perceived sin, or would they offer self-righteous platitudes or blanket condemnation to those who are different from themselves? Would the contestants form lasting alliances in the name of Jesus, or would "every man for himself" be a primary rule for the show? Would large group gatherings dissolve into contentious board meetings, or erupt into spontaneous praise for the Producer of Life?
What criteria would be used to determine which person is the weakest link? If sin is the determining factor, then everyone would be off the show before it even started. So, would sins be rated according to apparent severity, with the "worst" sinners being ejected first? Would forgiveness be a factor? How many second chances would be allowed? Would the hardest worker have the greatest advantage? How would the winner be determined? What is the prize, anyway?
Thankfully, we don't have to make these determinations in the reality show of Life. God has already laid the foundation and set the rules for our lives; we have his Word, the Bible, to be our guide. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are freely justified by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24) There are no consolation prizes in the game of Life; if we place our trust in Jesus, we are all winners. And the prize? Abundant Life, now and forever, with Jesus!
So, I wonder, what would happen if a group of Christians got together to film a TV reality show? Would they all work together, willingly, toward a common goal, or would they break up into several self-serving denominations? Would people offer encouragement to each other, and pray for each other, regardless of denomination or perceived sin, or would they offer self-righteous platitudes or blanket condemnation to those who are different from themselves? Would the contestants form lasting alliances in the name of Jesus, or would "every man for himself" be a primary rule for the show? Would large group gatherings dissolve into contentious board meetings, or erupt into spontaneous praise for the Producer of Life?
What criteria would be used to determine which person is the weakest link? If sin is the determining factor, then everyone would be off the show before it even started. So, would sins be rated according to apparent severity, with the "worst" sinners being ejected first? Would forgiveness be a factor? How many second chances would be allowed? Would the hardest worker have the greatest advantage? How would the winner be determined? What is the prize, anyway?
Thankfully, we don't have to make these determinations in the reality show of Life. God has already laid the foundation and set the rules for our lives; we have his Word, the Bible, to be our guide. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are freely justified by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24) There are no consolation prizes in the game of Life; if we place our trust in Jesus, we are all winners. And the prize? Abundant Life, now and forever, with Jesus!
Janet, I noticed that your family managed the Mary-Etta hotel in Fairbury in the 60's. We played teen dances in the hotel during that time and was wondering if you had any information, pics, etc concerning the dances. I remember unloading our gear through the side door and going to my right and up a step or two into sort of a small ballroom. Can you elaborate? our blog is http://thesensationalshowmen.blogspot.com my email is pfish48@gmail.com Look forward to hearing from you. Phil Pfister
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