Philippians 2:5-8
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The 13th season of the reality TV competition American Idol is underway, and two Arkansans were included in this year’s group of contestants who “made it through to Hollywood”. Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville, and Spencer Lloyd, who hails from Bryant, made it through the first rounds and competed as part of the “top 13” as the field narrowed to 10 contestants. Neither continued beyond this point, although Lloyd was given a chance to “sing for your life” - as contest judge Jennifer Lopez put it. The judges all found Lloyd’s song selection and performance to be lackluster and not truly “star quality”, although they commended him for his talent and making it as far in the competition as he did.
So the aspirations of these two young men – and countless other young people who auditioned and participated in this competition – have been somewhat dashed. While a few eliminated contestants have gone on to reach some pinnacle of stardom, most returned home to a “regular life” among their family and friends. Some will perform at local venues, while others will sing in a church choir – or in the shower! Hopefully, this experience will not define these young people…at least not in the way one might think.
Consider Spencer Lloyd…a youth minister and worship leader at Family Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Perhaps God is calling him to focus on this ministry instead of a bigger stage. Maybe this is a harsh – even humbling – reminder that God decides how, when and where we are to use the talents and abilities that He gives us. Perhaps God is whispering to Spencer, “I need you to reach people for Me on a more basic, intimate level.” Yes, some are called to share Jesus on a world-wide stage. There is a place for the Chris Tomlins, Michael W. Smiths, and Natalie Grants…Beth Moores, Jen Hatmakers and Max Lucados. But not all of us are called to serve on such a high-profile stage.
Quite honestly, this notoriety can be a slippery slope. The devil loves to take men and women of God, fill them with a powerful ego, and watch them fall – and take others along with them for the ride. Because of his appearance on American Idol, Spencer Lloyd’s name recognition has grown…so essentially, he has expanded his audience. But you and I are no less important to God. Our ministries and witness are every bit as vital. And because of our “simplicity”, we might just be able to reach those who would never listen to someone with celebrity status. They might perceive such people as “unapproachable” or out of touch with the realities of their “regular” lives. We - plain, ordinary people that we are - have a critical role to play as Disciples of Christ!
We can relate to the person who struggles to trust God when bills are piling up and there don’t seem to be enough work hours in the day to earn enough to cover them. We can offer first-hand compassion and empathy to someone who is going through a rough time…illness, relationship problems, work challenges – or the lack of a job, the challenges of child-rearing – or aging, and so much more. We can share out of the plainness of our own lives in a way that is real and plausible to others.
This is why Jesus came to earth as a humble human being. He certainly is anything but plain and ordinary. But God knew that people would not accept another egotistical, arrogant king. He knew that we needed someone who was one of us…a real, honest-to-goodness person…even though Jesus is truly so much more! Only a Supernatural King in a commonplace, familiar form could speak to us at our very core. Jesus could only reach the “average Joe” as a humble servant touched by the hand of God. And this is who we are called to be…the regular guy…the plain and simple, humble servant who loves God and shares His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional devotion with others.
Spencer Lloyd is perfectly positioned to reach countless people for Jesus Christ…but so are you and I. God has called us to humbly serve others in Jesus’ name…to be one of them – relatable, sympathetic, and “human”. We might not be the next American Idol, but if we serve with a respectful and unpretentious heart, we’ll be true rock stars in the eyes of God. We will become “celebrities” of a heavenly kind…with blessings and dividends far beyond anything Hollywood could ever hope to offer.
©2014 Debbie Robus
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