Roll out the red carpet – it’s time once again for the epic event watched ‘round the world! The 2013 Teen Choice Awards are set, headed one direction with the best songs ever.
Darren Criss (Glee) and Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) are co-hosting the show, and soon we will finally know who truly had the best chemistry, liplock, scene stealing, and “hissy fit” on the big screens over this past year.
The Teen Choice Awards definitely provide a window into the pop culture worldview, and while the landscape of the entertainment universe has its fair share of pollution and depravity, there were a few glimpses of heroism and self-sacrifice that provided some welcome inspiration (go Mr. Stark and Captain Kirk!).
And inspiration is, quite honestly, what we all need.
Why? Obviously not because we have aspirations to write a universally appreciated and intellectually rewarding song like We Can’t Stop, nor do we imagine we will ever land an Oscar winning role like Tatum in White House Down.
Rather, the motivation that should swell up inside us like an overflowing river is the reminder that one day, if we are believers in Jesus, we too, will stroll down the red carpet (or streets of gold?) under the bright lights in front of billions of people:
For we live by faith, not by sight… So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:7; 9-10).
Did you catch the truth here? “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…”
In other words, every Christian will take the stage and materialize on the big screen in what you might call the Heaven’s Choice Awards. There, Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge, and awards will be handed out for how we played out our chosen role here on earth.
William Shakespeare once wrote that “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” – and was he ever correct!
Listen, while some of the Teen Choice Awards nominees may believe that winning a trophy or a surfboard and having the adoration of millions is the end-all for life, please don’t be fooled by that short-sighted philosophy. Instead, set your sights on the Day of Judgment where your thoughts, actions, and words will be evaluated in the burning illumination of what was invested for Jesus and THE Cause of Christ.
Every day your life is like a song. Does it make people want to dance to the tune of Jesus’ love or turn the station?
Every hour you perform on the world’s stage for your Heavenly Father. Do you bring a smile to His face, or do the angels want to cringe and escort you off the stage?
I often wonder what category I might be nominated for when I appear before the Director of my life and the heavenly host that helped produce it.
Perhaps I will be in the best supporting role for my friends who are sold out for Jesus?
Maybe my name will be listed in the credits for THE Cause?
Or quite possibly it won’t be in any category at all, because oftentimes I selfishly take my eyes off the prize of joyfully giving my time, talent, and treasure to Jesus. The only way I will get on the nominee list is to let Him take my life out of the temporary “sit-com/rom-com/tragedy and triumphs of this life” and allow me to play a role in the timeless triumph of the gospel.
So this year, if your conversations with your friends turn to the Teen Choice Awards, remember that each day of our lives is either an investment in a bad movie with a horrible soundtrack, or it is an adventure in getting to know Jesus and loving others. It is way too easy to get sidetracked by all the distractions of this world. So like all the good song writers and actors, build some margin into your life that helps prepare you for the day you stand before Jesus Christ.
Take your role seriously, and you can be confident that your name will appear in the Heaven’s Choice Awards!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Since the Teen Choice Awards typically have a huge viewership, don’t waste this opportunity to reach out to your friends who don’t know Jesus and talk to them about Judgment Day. Also, think about what role you play each day on the world’s stage for God and THE Cause.
Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause
Pray: Jesus, one day we will all stand before You and give an account for our lives. Give us the motivation each day to serve You and represent you well to a world that needs to hear about your love and forgiveness.
Read: Romans 14:10. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Discussion Questions for Leaders:
Big Idea: The Teen Choice Awards are a reminder that we all will give an account of our lives to Jesus, so we must play out the role He has given us with all our passion and motivation.
Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7; 9-10
ALT-ernative Questions:
- What do you think of the Teen Choice Awards? Why do you think that?
- Do they accurately represent the taste of you and your friends?
- What category in the Heavenly Choice Awards will you be nominated for?
- How does the Judgment Seat of Christ motivate you in your walk with Him?
- In what ways could you apply this Soul Fuel to THE Cause?
