Quit Blaming Hollywood

If I get one more advertisement from any organization or read another book about how Hollywood is killing young people I'm going scream. Do you know what movies, television, and media do? They sell what sells. So, really their not really influencing anything. They're not setting a culture, they are just responding to what consumers are buying. It's not that I think everybody in Hollywood is an example of incredible christian values. I think Hollywood is neutral. If tomorrow, Christian values became popular in western culture, the media would change to reflect that. It's about making great art and big profits. Those goals in itself are not immoral or wrong. Make no mistake the content that evolves from these goals is often less than pure, but considering that most of Hollywood is an entirely secular culture, do you really expect them to all of sudden be championing Christian values? Remember the verse, that the gospel is foolishness to those who don't believe. This probably applies to this situation. Now, wait a minute, what about those young Hollywood celebrities? You know, Lindsay Lohan, Ashton Kutcher, are they really good role models? Well, no. But, why do they need to be role models? Because, the men, women and parents in church are too busy blaming Hollywood, that they're not being the role models. How would you feel if just because your teenager has some skills in some areas there whole life becomes the standard on which all teenagers are measured by? Can you imagine the pressure? I'm not sure that most young people would be able to handle it? It might cause them to make some poor decisions. Especially, if they were not instilled with great values before, which most don't. I wonder if we make it easier for them to constantly be criticized. I doubt it.

It's not that I'm pro-Hollywood, well, actually I am. I think that God wants us to reach them too. So, stop blaming Hollywood, start spending time with young people, and see if you being in their life has a bit more of an influence than how many times Lindsay Lohan enters rehab.

The Main Thing

People get so distracted in church.

They have problems with money and giving. No time to serve. They disagree with the leaders. Don't like this. Don't like that. Who cares?

If the main thing is the main thing, then it doesn't really matter.

If we really first value reaching people and seeing them become radical followers of Christ. Then everything else is really secondary.

We can't get offended and stop going to church. Why? Because, no matter what the local church is the place in which people are able to become disciples of Christ. So, if its really about the main thing, then we got to still keep showing up at church.

Talking about money shouldn't make us mad. Why? Because the money that is given to the house of God is used to reach people. You know? The main thing. So, if we really care about the main thing then we have no problem giving.

Leaders of a church want to reach people, right? Or do people become leaders in church, because of the lucrative salary packages or short hours. Of course not? They want to reach people, so if they want to reach people doesn't it make sense to honor their leadership. Unless, we really don't care about the main thing.

Just saying, shouldn't it be about the main thing.