American Idol

I just turned off this weeks “results” show for American Idol a little disappointed in the results. OK so what am I doing watching American Idol, I’m probably not the demographic that the network programmers are after. You know I enjoy music and I’m fascinated by the dynamics of this talent show. Thousands were screened on a nation wide search. Some were invited to Hollywood to pursue their dream enticed by the lure of near instant stardom and a lucrative record contract. Now out of six remaining contestants five continue on to compete next week and one, Constantine, is forever labeled a loser. There can be only one winner in the American Idol format. I personally thought that there were a few others that deserved the fate first. One might observe that this show reflects reality; the way the world really is. Some have it and some don’t. Some are destined to be winners and some are destined to be losers. Disappointments come and you must deal with it.

This is the point where I am reminded that this is the way the world is because the world is not living up to the original design that Jehovah God intended. Each person is uniquely designed for a specific purpose. That purpose can only be accomplished when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ by acknowledging our shortcomings and asking God to forgive us for acting like losers. You see, God intends that we all be winners. On the American Idol television show one person survives to be crowned winner based on their performance. Every one else is a loser. Not that Clay Aiken is really suffering as a loser (i.e. 2nd place finisher a few years ago) but he is an anomaly. In God’s show we can all be winners because God’s son, Jesus Christ, performed in our place. God declares winners and losers based on the performance of Jesus – which was perfect. Not even Simon Cowell could dare find fault in Jesus’ performance. The starting place on our journey to stardom in God’s eyes is to accept the performance of Jesus as our own.

Once you have been declared a winner God launches you on a “world tour” and asks that you perform according to how He has designed you and to play venues that He has arranged. And you know what, for those times when we might begin to doubt that we have what it takes to continue all we have to do is to look back at the “band” and realize that He has sent the Holy Spirit on tour with us to give us excellent backup. Man, I’m so thankful that I belong to God. Hasn’t God devised a wonderful plan for us? Why would anyone want to turn this “deal” down? There is room in God’s show for multiple winners. The only way that we will be losers to God is to choose to be a looser.

Maybe you’re dealing with your own disappointments and fears in life. My message to you today is simple. If you’ve never trusted God with your future, He is waiting to declare you a winner. If you’re already on tour with God but are tempted occasionally to sit down, look back at the “band.” Boy are they kickin! Sing on – God loves the tune.

With God You’re Never a Loser