American Idol

Well, I was only able to watch the last 30 minutes of Idol last night. I was completely shocked. Personally, I enjoy Kris Allen's genre of music better, but Adam was the better singer. I do enjoy listening to Kris sing and play guitar and piano. My kids were very excited that Kris won. I look forward to seeing how the final three do following the competition. They both did great throughout the competition.

As I was thinking about what to write today, I was reminded of a sermon I did in Iola titled "American Idol." In the sermon, I talk about the Bible's clear admonition against idols in our lives. See Exodus 20:4-6. An idol is whatever claims that loyalty that belongs to God alone. In Bible times, it was worshipping things such as Baal, Asherah, or the golden calf. We are quick to say, "We don't worship idols like that" so we are OK.

However, what idols do we have in 2009? I believe as Americans we have three areas where we are prone to idols.

• Strength (the physical)-We value appearances so much in our culture. Look at the amount of money spent on clothing, plastic surgery, supplements, etc. so that we can look the best. This is not just about health, but the extremes we go to look good. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, "But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. "
• Smarts (intelligence)-Many people are impressed by where your college or master's or doctorate degrees come from. Others make you feel like you are stupid because of their superior knowledge. It is always an argument or proving that they are right. No matter how smart we are we need to remember the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." No amount of knowledge or book smarts can compare with God's knowledge and understanding. He knows the future; we do not.
  
• Success-Are you successful? What kind of car do you drive? How much money do you make? Have you risen on the corporate ladder? Are you the perfect mom/dad or husband/wife? Listen to the words of Isaiah 40:29-31, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." These words tell us that earning success on our own only leads to weariness, weakness, and stumbling. We need to rely on God and let Him determine what is success.

Our culture idolizes the physical, the mind, and success, but we should remember to cast down these idols and instead look to the Source of all Strength, Smarts, and Success who is our awesome God. As I close I am reminded of the hymn, "I'd Rather Have Jesus."

Congratulations to Kris and Adam on a great season!