Dear Chain Letter

Why should we be upset about Touched by An Angel being taken off of the air? Does it really represent Christianity? I don't think it does. She was a nice angel who went around helping people. How lovely. But where was Jesus? I'm fairly certain He wasn't around. What the person who sent this petition doesn't realize, aside from the fact that it won't do anything, is that God has been taboo in the media for a long time. His name is also Jesus Christ and that name is certainly not accepted. Just try and say something about Jesus' transformational power, His kingdom, His healing touch, or salvation through Him on television. It won't be done. Often when a person is interviewed by the media and they pay homage to their faith in Jesus Christ they will leave that part out, the editors that is. The media is okay with God, not okay with Jesus. Loads of people believe in God, but which God? I doubt the personwho wrote this really understands what was going on, if it ever was, regarding this issue. If anything the FCC is deregulating and making it easier for Christian broadcasting to happen. All they have to do is have the money to spend (see this article: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/126/42.0.html).

If we're really counting on Touched by an Angel, or Seventh Heaven, or whatever, to be a witness to our world something is wrong. Yes, the shows are moral and involve nebulously Christian people--we can only assume they are Christian by the robe the minister wears and that church building looks like our churches or churches we've visited. They haven't been and won't be called Christians on the show because it implicates Christ. I get a bit heated about things like this because I've seen a number of Christians who get fiercely mad about the debate surrounding the pledge, or the ten commandments, and things like a silly show on ABC or whatever. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty, they aren't really living out the Gospel. They are not being the shining examples of Christ's radiance they are meant to. Why can't they be upset about homelessness instead? We have been commanded to feed the the poor, yet every winter thousands of homeless people die while we open Christmas presents. Why can't they be upset that millions of people are dying in Africa because of AIDS and as a result millions of children are left as orphans? Why can't they be upset that there are thousands upon thousands of people in our country alone who struggle with depression and thoughts of worthlessness or maybe even suicide? People who wonder if anyone will ever love them, or simply be a friend. And rather than be concerned, why not do something about it?

How much more would one man or woman fully committed to Christ do to affect our nation and world than one or two quasi-spiritual shows that, let's be honest, only Christians watch? That's the problem I have with Christian music. People who aren't Christian don't listen to it. The transformation and healing of the world, ultimately to Christ's glorification, isn't going to happen by having more of God on television, or more happy-Jesus-love-you albums in Lifeway Christian Stores. It's going to happen by more of God's people stepping into a stride with the Holy Spirit, walking in His power, living lives of worship, of joyful mission. It's going to happen as individuals learn to love other individuals authentically. Transformation will happen when the Church is no longer afraid to look different than the world, operating in honesty.

God is about people and restoring them. God is about loving people. God is about relationship. So rather than get upset that God isn't tacked to the walls of our schools or courthouses or on our lips at the beginning of the World Series, let's get upset that the people we work with, play with, volunteer with, and live with don't know Jesus and are hurting because of it. And they'll be hurting for eternity. Let's get upset that we've gone so long without being bold enough to really love people and speak truth into their lives. Let's get upset that we've been holding on to Jesus and not giving Him away.

Sincerely,
Cameron

posted by Cameron Lawrence at 11:53