Idol or Hero?
Big in the news this week was the fact that a new “American Idol” had been elected or crowned or whatever it’s called. It’s all been much discussed among many folks we know, particularly many Christians, so I must admit that we were wondering which David would be chosen, etc. etc. There was some disappointment on my daughter’s part that it was the one which it was, sadness which lasted about five or ten minutes and then life continued on as usual. We’ve never gotten into looking at this show, partly because we look at very little regular network TV and partly because, to tell you the truth, I do take some issue with calling any person alive or dead an “idol.” I know, surely he or she is not really worshipped and it’s all in fun, but I still take issue. Sorry folks. I’ve often wondered what qualities of character these exalted ones offer to our young people.
I doubt if it’s a great sin to have our children clap and cheer at such occasions or at sports events, but I wonder how often we put the true heroes before them, the ones who have never appeared before the bright and colorful lights or before huge stadium crowds. I’m thinking of brave and courageous people who may have appeared before a crowd in an arena for the purpose of being eaten by lions or who have been locked up in a dungeon for years some place. Some of them are unknown and unsung, but I want my children and grandchildren to know about them and to know what they stood for. So I guess I’m saying make sure your kids are fully aware of them as much as the ones who entertain them.
Please don’t think I’m being judgmental. We all enjoy a good ball game, myself included, and we sometimes enjoy the good singing of someone whom God has gifted with a good voice. But please endeavor to have your children know the name of someone like William Whiting Borden and what he did with his young life and fortune as much as they know the names of David Cook and David Archiletta.
