"American Idol" and Becoming What We Worship (Romans 12:2)
Dear Members of the Our Savior Lutheran Church Email Prayer Chain,

"American Idol" and Becoming What We Worship

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. –Romans 12:2

Last week countless fans across the country (and world) were breathing easier because the long wait was over: "American Idol" is back! And from what I've read about the much anticipated season nine debut, there was plenty to keep viewers interested: a new judge, guest judges and a guy so nervous that he couldn't stop sweating. Riveting.  

I'm not one to say that over the years I've never enjoyed "American Idol." The few shows I seen, I’ve enjoyed. And honesty compels us to admit that there has been talent on the show. Carrie Underwood can sing. But as a Christian I do cringe at the mainstreaming of idolatry resulting from the show's success.

Christian: stop and say out loud, "American Idol."

Millions of people will spend the next few months "worshiping" their favorite performer. With each karaoke session the zeal for a person will intensify. Can this be healthy for the soul?

I'm currently reading G.K. Beale's new book, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry. In the book Beale argues that "we resemble what we revere, either for ruin or for restoration." Beale explains one of the primary assumptions of his book: "...God has made humans to reflect him, but if they do not commit themselves to him, they will not reflect him but something else in creation. At the core of our beings we are imaging creatures. It is not possible to be neutral on this issue: we either reflect the Creator or something in creation".

The Apostle Paul tells us that we have been saved with the goal of being “conformed to the image of his Son.” Why conformity to Jesus? Paul continues, “in order that [Jesus] might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29). In salvation we are being restored to reflect Jesus Christ so that a people more numerous than the stars in the sky and sand on the seashore can pay Him the ultimate compliment, namely, imitation.

Do you remember the ad campaign by Gatorade where we were encouraged to “Be like Mike”? The ads contained images of kids and adults trying to mimic Jordan on the basketball court. Of course, the campaign’s ultimate aim was to get those same kids and adults to “copy” Jordan by drinking Gatorade. The ads gave Michael Jordan the ultimate compliment by assuming (rightly in the 90s) that millions of people wanted to “Be like Mike”--to imitate him.

We exalt God by reflecting his Son in us--by imitating Jesus. So how do we do it?

2 Corinthians 3:18 shows us the way: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit..” By looking to Christ--revering Him--we are transformed increasingly into his image.              I suppose it's possible to enjoy "American Idol" without committing idolatry. In fact, I’m sure it is. But I'm praying "Idol" fans will not end up reflecting what is consistent with ruin rather than restoration.

REFLECTION

How can we better “behold Jesus” so that we can better “reflect Jesus”? If you’re like me, this will include a combination of shunning certain things while including others. Take some time while it is still early in this New Year, if you haven’t already, and set out a plan to behold Jesus in 2009 to the end that you are transformed increasingly into His image.  

PRAYER REQUESTS -- Week of January 17, 2010

FOR THOSE WHO LOOK TO THE LORD FOR HEALING

*Emily Hayes                   Hospitalized this past week
*Barbara Maas                [Mother of Caron Fausel] Hospitalized this past week
*Craig Lowry                    [Father of OSLS preschool childcare student, Marissa] serious health concerns
Frank Walker                   Recovering from another surgery attempting to save his leg
Lara Webster                  [Daughter of a friend of Pastor Fausel] brain tumor, taken a turn for the worst
Ray Wahlbrink                 Who was able to return home to continue his recovery
Maddie Garvue               Recovering from pnueomnia
Debbie Garvue                Recovering from injuries sustained in a fall at her home
Jadon Duff                       [3 year son of a co-worker of John Kuecker’s] hospitalized with an undiagnosed serious condition.
Brock Douglas                [Brother-in-law of Melanie Douglas] Advanced cancer, in hospice care
Dominique Lupo             [Step-father of Lisa Smith] undergoing testing for undiagnosed health concerns
Solissa Arms                   [Friend of Pat Kuecker] Recovering from injuries from auto accident
Rosina Walker                 Strength
Barbara Roberston         [Mother of Debbie Novak] hospitalized due to advancing lung cancer
Pauline Rye                     [Mother of Noble Rye] recovering from a stroke
Mrs. Omohundro             [Mother of Tina Davidson (friend of Kim Rye)] recovering from a stroke
Lt. Daniel Berschinski    [25 year old fellow soldier and friend of Matt Kuecker] at Walter Reed fighting infection in his amputated legs, which were the result of injuries sustained in and IED explosion.
Sarah Austin                    [Family friend of The Mueller Family] undergoing testing
Christian Mehl                 [Son of the Mehl’s] Recovering from a stem cell transplant for cancer
Brooke McGrew              [Sister of Scott Smith] Diagnosed with Cervical cancer, awaiting treatment
Jason Smith                     [Friend of Sheila Hildebrandt] 37 y.o. with metastatic cancer and recovering from surgery
Joel Miller                         [Friend of Sheila Hildebrandt] 15 y.o. in rehab for substance abuse, friction with faith
Linda White                     [Sister of Sharon Coleman] Cancer, praying for comfort and peace, and for God’s will to occur
Joanne Leeming             [Cousin of Karen Shorter] Healing from a stroke and Lymphoma
Hannah Dirkse                [Friend of the Detroy’s] 18 yrs. old diagnosed with Leukemia
Phyllis Kenrieck               [Aunt of Mark Whitsett] hospitalized in critical condition with health concerns
Bob Wolke                       [Brother of Pat Otten] suffering from severe pain
Orval Bestian                   [Brother of Shirley Atkins] heart problems
Kay Mitchell                     [Friend of Barbe Lamkin] major health concerns
Kim Hunter                       [Friend of Pat Kuecker] 37 yr. old suffering from multiple health concerns
Karen Jackson                [Friend of Melissa Nelson] waiting for a transplant
Mary McKenzie               [Friend of the Kaulitz Family] small child with a heart defect 

* We remember in our prayers those who have suffered tragedy and hardship due to the earthquake in Haiti. May those afflicted receive the aid they need to sustain and heal them and may they see the grace of our Lord Jesus through those who touch their lives in the coming weeks and months.

FOR THANKSGIVING FOR NEW LIFE

* Tessa Louise born to Keith and Angie Dillon on January 8. Tessa joins big brothers Ethan and Chase who are students in our OSLS preschool classes.
* Trey Shawhan born to Mike and Sarah Shawhan on December 21. Trey joins Mary and Ethan who are students in our OSLS preschool classes.

God’s Blessings in Marriage

* By the  family of Paul and Marie Eberhart in celebration of their 62nd wedding anniversary.

FOR THOSE WHO MOURN

* The family of Roma Shreve, mother of Rod Shreve and mother-in-law of OSLS third grade teacher, Jennie Shreve, who was called home on January 10 and received a Christian burial this past week.
* The family of Erna Kelley, sister of Rev. Lee Berndt, who was called home on December 31 and received a Christian burial last week.
* The family of Linda Nickel who was called home on January 5 and received a Christian burial last week.

FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM CANCER

Thomas Davidson, Christian Mehl, Phil Sanders, Barbara Robertson, Lorna Benkendorf, Ruth Smith, Laura Webster, Lu Aiella, Jim Bush, Kay Mitchell, Leona Walker, Pam Russo, Brock Douglas, Joan Beck, Kim Phillips, Karen Gardner, Roger, Sue Sexton, Jana Maher, Joe Howley, Judi Rice, Jack Quinlan, Mark Hayden, Joanne Leeming, Venessa Brady, Joey Eckler, Jim Siegfried

FOR THOSE SUFFERING CHRONIC ILLNESS

Bill Berger, Daniel Shorter, Bob Farley, Christopher, Lance Muessle, Erin Brady Worsham, Nick Zimmer

FOR THOSE CONFINED AT HOME, A NURSING HOME OR REHABILITATION CENTER

Ray Wahlbrink, Eldon and Isabella Tappendorf, Dorothy Ordel, Mary Rose Crask, Jim Ashley, Ricky Hayes, Inge Kaulitz, Lydia Eggers, Mim Hawkinson, Nancy Heiden, Myrtle Wiggins, Glenna Goepfert, Elvera Weltzin, Jerry and Marge Tauscher, Virginia Alexander, Helen, Dennis Krause

FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY

Matthew Kuecker, Jason, Chris and Kim Wolter, Matt Fitzgibbon, Joshua Burkett, Roy Oberhaus, Don Wheeler, Lori Alix, James Marshburn, Tony Crespo, Donnie Tyler, Zachary Holland, Michael Alexander, Jeffrey Davis, Erik Sheldon

FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM CANCER OR CHRONIC ILLNESS

Ty Hassler, Jr.            [Friend of the Lindgren’s] health and life concerns
Phil Ritz                      [Friend of Joe and Doris Deuth] recovering from a heart attack
Barbara Robertson   [Mother of Debbie Novak] recovering from heart attack and cancer treatment
Thomas Davidson     [14 y.o. neighbor of the Coleman’s] Responding well to treatment
Christian Mehl           [Son of Dave and Diane Mehl] undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma
Lorna Benkendorf     [Friend of Tony Arnold] Undergoing treatment for cancer
Leona Walker            [Friend of the Belza’s] Recurrent lung cancer that has spread to her brain
Jim Ashley                 [Brother of Larry Ashley] suffering from health concerns
Ruth Smith                 [Mother of Scott Smith] In remission
Phil Sanders              Suffering from throat cancer, in discomfort
Lara Webster            [Daughter of a friend of Pastor Fausel] brain tumor
Dennis Krause                      [Friend of Diane Rowan] suffered stroke and is in ICU in Iowa
Lu Aiella                     Undergoing chemo treatment for breast and brain cancer
Kay Mitchell               [Friend of Barbe Lankin] suffering from cancer
Jim Bush                    [Father of Julie Yeager] diagnosed with cancer, undergoing testing for treatment options
Brock Douglas          [Brother of Tom Douglas] infection and pain associated with cancer
Bill Berger                  [Father of Billie Detroy] Alzheimers
Joan Beck                  [Mother of Karen Young, a friend of Caron Fausel] diagnosed with a serious brain tumor
Kim Phillips                [Cousin of Steve Lindgren] breast cancer
Karen Gardner          [Daughter of Jean Pillischafske] breast cancer
Roger                         [Uncle of a friend of the Lindgren’s] cancer
Christopher                [Nephew of Peggy Cullnan] Being evaluated for the debilitating disease of neurofibromatosis.  
Sue Sexton                [Friend of Jean Pillischafske] suffering inoperable cancer, will be undergoing chemotherapy
Jana Maher                [Friend of the Belza’s] Recurrent breast cancer, has young children at home
Judi Rice                    [Friend of Barbe Lamkin] cancer of spine
Jack Quinlan              [Friend of the Haller’s] Leukemia
Mark Hayden             Neighbor of Our Savior with cancer
Joanne Leeming       [Cousin of Karen Shorter] Lymphoma
Venessa Brady         Hodgkin’s Disease
Joey Eckler                [Grandson of the Kendt’s] cancer
Jim Siegfried             [Friend of Larry Ashley] Lung cancer
Lance Muessle          [Friend of Nelson’s] paralyzed from an accident
Erin Brady Worsham            [Friend of Marty Belza] Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
Nick Zimmer              [Nephew of the Coleman’s] MS

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me (St. Paul), or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9

Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church
 

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