So I had this dream last night that I won American Idol. But it was very anti-climactic because the next morning, no one cared. I didn’t make front page of the newspaper. None of the news channels called. I didn’t getting any late night talk show invitations.
What a rip! Isn’t that the whole point?
In my sleepy dejection, I recalled all the criticism that had been circulating the media as the finale approached. “He can sing, but he’s just not as cool as the Idols who have won in the past.” “Did you see what he was wearing? It was like he didn’t even buy anything new for the show. He was just in his everyday clothes.” It MIGHT have been the kind of feeling that a kid may get while walking down a middle or high school hallway…NOT that I would know.
And then I looked at this this morning…
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:12-17 [nasv]
Is that passage not straight up perfect for us in our Idolizing world? We’re not looking for the vote of the masses. Our faith in God is not a democratic event. The only ‘third party’ who has to certify the vote is Jesus Christ. And there’s only one vote that counts. Winner takes all. It’s His show, and he’s the only judge. He likes the song choice, because He wrote the song. He likes our ‘look’ because He’s the fashion designer. Jesus the all time star mentor. When it’s time to perform, the buzz in the room is fueled by the Spirit of God. And when the finale is over, we’re not dependent on trends, Clyve Davis, or digital sales to make our mark: Our mark is the Word of God, and it will top the charts for eternity.
So, the million dollar question: Why do YOU sing? Maybe you DON’T sing! If not, why do you write? Or draw? Or take pictures? Why do you teach in front of a crowd, or a small group? Why do you write contracts, paint, sell, program, assist? Why do you wake up every morning to the same routine hoping to just keep the kids fed, bathed, alive?
Who is your audience? My dream last night, as big a let down as it was, was a very good reminder that there is only One person in the crowd who is really listening to my song. If others join to sing along, it’s because they’re impressed by Him, not by me.
