How to Share Your Faith Using Reality TV
There were ten of them. All had high hopes and lofty aspirations to one day light up the movie screen…
There were twenty others. All believed that they had the strength, determination, and stamina to walk away with $1 million…
This weekend, The WB premiered its new show The Starlet where ten moderately talented actresses compete for a WB contract and a starring role in the WB's series One Tree Hill. Sunday night was opening night for these ladies, and many of them weren't up to the task. By the end of the hour, two of the young ladies' dreams were shattered as they were cut and sent home. Over the next five weeks, the saga will slowly unfold as more actresses are sent home and miss out on the dream of a lifetime.
Three weeks ago, CBS launched the tenth (TENTH!!) edition of its mega-hit "reality" show Survivor. There are ten men and ten women hoping to survive on bugs and twigs while going through various challenges on an island in the middle of nowhere. Why in the world would they do that? For a cool $1 million dollars, that's why. Already, five people have been sent home, proving that they are not a survivor, at least according to CBS's rules of the game.
So, why are these thirty people putting their personalities, struggles, arguments, and failures on worldwide TV for everyone to see? Because the lure of fame and fortune is strong. These thirty individuals are a prime example of the mindset of the world majority: If I am famous or have lots and lots of money, I'll be happy! But as we talked about a few weeks ago, fame and moola don't lead to happiness (see CC: The Perfect Couple?).
But don't be hard on these guys. Don't roll your eyes when the final "Survivor" tells how happy he/she is now that his/her bank account is lined with $1 million and he/she can finally afford to buy that house for his/her sick mother. He is happy! Wouldn't you be happy with that much cash? I know I would!
But here's the question. Do you find your happiness in that money or are you just happy to have the money? You might be thinking, "Isn't that the same thing?" No, and let me tell you why.
If you find your happiness in money, your happiness will one day end. I've got news for you: The one who dies with the most toys doesn't win, he just dies…just like everyone else. Check out what Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
If your hope lies in fame and fortune, things that will pass away, then you're going to miss out on the heavenly treasure that you should be seeking after.
This leads to the second option mentioned above. Are you just happy to have money? Someone who is happy to have what they have knows what it means to be blessed. They are happy with money and they are happy without money because their happiness comes from another source: a relationship with Jesus Christ. Their true treasure is stored up in Heaven where it will never decay or be lost. It is an eternal treasure to be enjoyed in eternal life.
So, how does this relate to all of those reality shows? Isn't it clear? Reality TV is the best example I've ever seen of people looking for an unreal happiness and fulfillment in all the wrong places. According to reality TV, you can find success, love, fame, and riches if you are a shrewd businessman, pick the right guy out of twenty, or outlast someone on a deserted island.
Reality TV is a window to the world's mindset. All of the things that people think lead to happiness can be seen in the TV screen at home. But what if they looked at their Bible? What would it say leads to happiness?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.
My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
(Proverbs 3:5-15)
Do you want happiness in life? Trust in God.
Reality TV is a hot conversation topic, especially the day after an episode. When it comes up, take that opportunity to turn the conversation to the cross.
You can…
…point out that those people think they will find happiness in money and fame, but true happiness comes from God
…ask about those who aren't rich and famous (like most of us). What about them? Do they not have a chance at happiness? They do, and you can tell your friends how
…show them that God has said he will bless those who trust in him and let him guide their lives.
…go through the GOSPEL Journey with them using any of these intros to show them how to truly find fulfillment and joy in life, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
