It is that time again for what has become an American pre-occupation and even obsession. Millions of people will gather weekly to indulge themselves and even participate in a ritual of observation and evaluation. Water coolers and lunch tables will be surrounded by countless thousands discussing and weighing in on the process. That’s right, it is that time in America where we all direct our attention to a handful of young people on a stage with glitz, glamor and the bright lights.

American Idol is back!

From Simon’s final season to Karen’s quirky if not uncomfortable behavior to Ellen’s humor and Randy’s well - whatever that is he does, we as a culture are simply drawn to this production and reality exhibition of the personification of chasing the American dream.

I have to admit, although I have not watched every season, I occasionally get drawn in myself. What’s amazing and I believe so captivating about the show is that these contestants are folks just like us. Last year’s winner is a native of our own Natural State and was recently in our area performing.

One thing that is fascinating to me as a pastor is the amount of young people who make it through who are worship leaders in their respected church’s. Again, last year’s winner, Kris Allen, was the worship leader at a rather large congregation in Conway. One common theme from the contestants is a statement that almost every one of them make. It always goes something like this “I was born to do this” or “This is what I am supposed to do.”

The top winners and participants will find themselves the recipients of all they have ever dreamed of wanting - money, fame, bright lights and the glamor of being America’s idol. The writer of Ecclesiastics had a different take on this. After years of what he described as “chasing the wind,” the pursuit and collection of mass wealth, women, pleasure and power, after actually finding these things, he stated that it was all “vanity.” In the original language of the Bible, he was saying that it was all empty. There was no substance to that which he thought he needed and spent his life pursuing. In a real sense we are all like Solomon or maybe even those young kids standing in line for hours to audition for their chance at fame. We are “chasing the wind” in our pursuit of more money, another lover, another experience, another high, another home, another level of achievement.

Don’t get me wrong, I do not believe there is anything wrong with being successful or even prospering in this day and age.

However, when it becomes our obsession or dare I say idol, then we find ourselves at the end of the day with a cotton candy experience. It was sweet and tasty at first but in the end it leaves us empty and unfulfilled. The real American Idol isn’t a singing contest, it has become an obsession and thirst for that which never satisfies but temporarily pleases.

The other day on Facebook one of my friendsasked the question “What is it that makes you happy?” My response was simple. To know Jesus Christ and make Him known, to bring glory to Him through my simple life and to find my peace and joy in Him and Him alone, that is happiness. Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? Are you pursuing the “American Idol”? Are you living a cotton candy life? The answer is not in this world’s definition of success or victory, but it is knowing your place and purpose in God’s plan for you life.

Chris Sligh, a former contestant who came very close to winning American Idol but was voted out towards the end and who himself was a worship/youth minister, after all of the lights and wind chasing of an American Idol season, found himself with the opportunity to write and record Christian music. In a blockbuster Christian hit he chronicled his experience in a song in which he shared the thoughts of a young man who got caught up in it all yet found his way back home.

I’ve had just enough of the spotlight

When it burns bright

To see how it gets in the blood

And I’ve tasted my share

Of the sweet life

And the wild ride

And found a little is not quite enough

I know how I can stray

And how fast my heart could change

Empty me

Of the selfishness inside

Every vain ambition

And the poison of my pride

And any foolish thing my heart holds to

Lord empty me of me

So I can be

Filled with you

Amen, Chris, Amen!

The other night, another young man was voted off.

His reply to the question to where he goes from here was very fitting: “I go where God lets me go, with Him there is no failure, I will go where He takes me because I know He is for me.” Although voted off early in the contest, I believe this young man, like Chris Sligh and everyone who has committed their lives to Jesus Christ, has won much more than a singing contest. They have won the only contest that really matters in the end.

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Jack Maddox is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Garfield. He can be contacted at Brojackfbcg@ gmail.com.

Church, Pages 2 on 03/10/2010