9.27.2005

Lindsay Lohan Is My God

Yesterday, one of my freshman in my youth ministry made a profound statement. We were comparing the idea of "abundant living" from a media/Hollywood/culture perspective versus the idea presented by Jesus in Scripture. My teens were able to tell me all sorts of ways that one could live an abundant life as portrayed by media (money, relaxing and shopping, lots of friends with the latest styles, etc.). Then I asked them to describe what an abundant life lived in the way of Jesus would be like... blank stares. After a little bit, I rephrased the question. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Then came many Sunday School answers: believing in Jesus, forgiveness of sins, etc. So I decided to ask another question: If would it mean to be a follower of Lindsay Lohen? Immediatley all kinds of answers about lifestyle, habits, dieting practices, etc. Then I dramatically hushed everyone and asked, what is wrong with this conversation? One of my freshman proclaimed: we know more about Lindsay Lohan than Jesus! There it was. Finally, someone had said it. I am glad that one of my teens got there before I had to say it. It made a much more profound impact coming from her than me.
Of course I don't think this is isolated to my own teens or even to most Christians (adults and teens). We know far more about the gods of our society than about Jesus. We do a much better job of following these gods than we do of following Jesus. Indeed, this was a priceless moment.

4 comments:

  1. So true man. It is sad but we know A LOT more about the gods of our society than we do about our Savior.

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  2. right on! And yet, I stand back and ask myself..."What do I know more about?" My favorite football team, my favorite movie...it is convicting for us all. Great post.

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  3. Justin!!! hey old pal...i am so excited for what God is doing in and through you in youth ministry. you know how to reach them....you ask good questions...and hard ones. keep asking them. keep probing. God is changing these lives through you! i've missed you... i'll be home someday and i'll come visit :)

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  4. Wow..great post - way to direct the conversation. I totally agree that when the teens make the connection and pronounce it outloud, that declaration has a much greater impact on the rest of the youth.

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