by Pastor Patrick Cho
I have to admit that I am an avid “Lost” fan. This season has been particularly good because of the new twists and turns that are being introduced to the overall plot. Theories abound explaining all the new phenomena: “Is there time travel on the island?” “Is Jin still alive?” “Does Jack not want to see Aaron because he was somehow connected to Claire’s death?” While theories about the show are fun to discuss, one thing that I am reminded about is how stupid it is to allow your life to waste away because of a TV show. One theory was passed on to me by another member in the church where another avid fan devoted pages and pages of detailed explanations and evidence about the show. This “Lost” theorist even walked through major counter arguments to his theory and then wrote detailed rebuttals to each of them. I couldn’t believe how much time and research must have gone into such a project. Of course, the work would have been worth it for that fan because of the joy that the show brings to those who watch it.
But this leads me to my point. It is so easy to find joy in entertainment, but is God really the One who brings you the greatest joy? Is your perspective towards your salvation still like that man who found the priceless treasure in the field only to go sell all that he has to obtain it? Is Jesus the first love of your life or is He merely an afterthought? These are serious questions to consider because I feel like the church is becoming spiritually numb when it comes to each member’s personal devotion to Christ. Corporately, people have gotten really good at enjoying the fellowship of the church. Sermons are great because the hearer has all the work of Bible study done for them. Prayer becomes unnecessary because others are sure to be praying. In all of it, instead of running in the faith, many are reclining by the side of the road. The principle reason for this is because Christianity has become a chore to people and ministry is burdensome. Pursuing Christ is not fun or easy, and sadly, people are drawn more to the things that are fun and easy.
We must pray like the Psalmist, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Ps. 51:12a). Sinners who have truly experienced salvation from the wrath of God and freedom in Christ understand that there is no greater joy than living for the Savior. God forbid we find greater joy in the things of the world. God forbid we turn instead to the things that are simply fun, easy, and entertaining. This isn’t to say we cannot be entertained. It is vital, however, that each day we remind ourselves of this joy. We must not let ourselves fall to the point where we find counterfeit joy in idols. Christ is everything. If He is not everything to you, then you are not in Him. Instead of turning to the things of the world, let us cling to Him (cf. Deut. 10:20).
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