
We just returned to Guatemala from a 2 week trip to the US. It was
great to see friends and family and to be together with our stateside
church community. We shared a lot of laughs, tears, and fun together.
This
was my first time back in
One
of the main things I can’t stop thinking about is the American
mind-sight towards celebrity, sports, news, and Hollywood. For 2 weeks I
heard about Tiger Woods, Tim Tebow, Preisdent Obama, college football,
and the economy. You cant go anywhere without the latest issues
reaching out to strangle you for your attention.
Tiger: the
stable, solid, classy professional golfer who maintains an impeccable
reputation… let us down. News broke that he has been unfaithful to his
wife, which was followed by many other reports of multiple mistresses.
Obama:
the president who was going to save us all from the mess left by the
Bush administration… letting us down. His approval rating currently
lower than any president (at this point in their term) in history.
Tebow:
the outspoken Christian quarterback, looking to lead his dominant
Gators to another championship… let us down. After a poor performance
in the SEC championship game, he sobbed as if the world was coming to an
end.
The economy. Politics. College football. Artists, entertainers, and cable news.
Around
and around we go. I myself engaged in a 2 hour conversation (argument)
about college football that left some of us involved upset with each
other! I know… boys will boys and its just innocent fun. But is it?
What’s the point? By getting so fired up about it, aren’t I implying
that it’s pretty serious stuff? When really, is it important at all?
This
time next year, much less 5 years from now, all of these stories will
be forgotten and we’ll have new ones to suck us in. We’re literally
obsessed with the stuff. Fox News is giving me a headache. Even ESPN,
which I occasionally love to veg out to, is beginning to sound like
nails across a chalkboard. Why?
My friend Derek recently wrote and recorded a song called
High and Holy. I think the title of his song explains why the things of this world (should) lose their flavor.
When
our hearts become captivated by our high and holy God, something
changes. Our perspective shifts, and the things that excite us (or let
us down) are no longer the things – or people – of the world.
The
last 2 weeks are a blur and we were running at a crazy pace. But now,
sitting here reflecting, I can honestly say that football statistics
seemed more important to me than statistics that really matter - like
homelessness, hunger, clean water, etc. And I found myself being more
intrigued by how celebrities were living than by how Jesus lived.
I
can see now how quickly and easily I was swept up into the madness.
And even though I was recognizing parts of it along the way, the pace of
life made it difficult to find time to come before God and pray, seek,
be refreshed and straightened out.
The latest “Tiger Woods
Scandal” was dominating the headlines. As much as I entertained
conversations and discussed the topic, it is hitting me now how truly
amazing it is that we are so fascinated by the fact that Woods was
unfaithful to his wife. Statistically 60% of all married men cheat. In
the context of celebrity, I bet that number goes to 90% or more.
What
is the big shock? Based on those numbers, you would think the
headlines would read “Surprise, Surprise… Another One Down.” I think
the reason its such a big story – the reason we get so hurt, excited,
whatever – is because our hope is in
people
as opposed to in Christ. I actually think Christians are the worst.
Mel Gibson, George W. Bush, Tiger… these are all people that Christians
have placed so highly on a pedestal, only to be “stunned” when they let
us down.
The reality is that humans will always let us down.
We sin, we fail, we screw up… that is what makes us human. It’s
unfortunate that the Christian community often forgets to come together
in these times to encourage, support, and lift up the fallen – even if
it can only be done by prayer. Instead, we run to the tabloids, soak it
in, criticize, defend, and of course…gossip.
Jesus was – and will always be – perfect. He is
high and he is
holy.
He will never let us down, he will never slip up and make that fatal
mistake. We’ll never see him on the front page of the newspaper, crying
or defending himself. We’ll never read a statement from him regretting
his actions and apologizing for the hurt he has caused his friends,
family, and fans.
The promises of God will continue to always be
kept. There is comfort in that. But there is also responsibility. I
saw in the last couple of weeks how easily I can slide back into the
mix… the firestorm of media, politics, and the pursuit of success. It
is a machine that churns away, steadily churning and crushing souls at
an uncontrollable pace.
I pray for my loved ones serving Christ
in the US. Avoid the nonsense. Be a voice of truth in the midst of
constant distraction. Stay close to the spirit of Jesus, so that your
senses remain sharp and you can recognize immediately when even the
subtle attempts of the world are drawing you in.
Remember that
your God is high and he is holy. He is unchanging. He is not going
anywhere. And he is the ONLY one who will never let you down.
You are high and holy.
you alone are worthy of our praise.
Enthroned in glory,
boldly we approach you as our king.
-song by DH
a year and a half. I learned that this is a
long enough time to forget things, and to change perspective. Long
enough to be caught off-guard by even the simple things that, until
being away for a while, I may have never given much thought.