DiamondDodger

After our Bible study the other night, some of the kids and I were discussing the phenomena that is the television show LOST. By the way, you should know something about me; I have a tendancy to assume that if something becomes popular that I have liked for a long time, I see that as others just finally catching up to what I already knew. Please understand, this doesn't mean I see myself as a trendsetter. I do not believe people wait with baited breath to see what I like and then mindlessly follow along. However, I do at times fancy myself to be a pioneer of sorts (probably incorrectly, I must admit). I see myself as good judge of the "next great thing" coming! Some of my pseudo-prophetic endorsements include Code Red Mountain Dew, the Monte Cristo, Arena Football, The Clapper, and others. Just to be clear once again: I make no claims to having invented or come up with the idea for these things, nor do I believe that I was solely responsible for their growing popularity, I just know that I was on board long before their greatness was realized.

Okay, back to LOST. I find it to be an intriguing television show, not just for the cliff-hangers and intricate storyline, but also for some of the spiritual overtones in the show. I am not sure where it will ultimately lead as it is just a television show, but it is interesting to see where it all leads. Trust me, it could lead to many false teachings about spirituality, but the very fact that at least one character on the show has an overtly spiritual perception as to the events that are transpiring on the island. Of course, this character also runs the gambit of acceptance by other fellow castaways. At times he is seen as the clearest thinking member of the group and at other times, he is viewed as obsessively controlled by something unseen (maybe even possessed).

Why mention all this? Well, to highlight the fact that more and more television shows/movies delve into the spiritual realm. We are reminded that television especially is consumer driven and the reason for the increasing number of shows of this nature would seem to be linked to the interest level of the viewers. With television watchers clamouring more and more for shows with a spiritual slant, it creates both a responsibility as well as an opportunity for us as Christians.

First, we have a responsibility to make sure that we have an understanding of the word of God so that we are not "tossed about by every wind of doctrine". As we watch these shows, we must be discriminating viewers, rightly recognizing truth and misleading untruths about God, the Spirit, and the realms of the spiritual.

Second, it provides us with an opportunity for discussion with others who do not know Christ. The character from LOST (John Locke) seems fixed on the fact that the plane crash, the hatch, etc. all have happened for a purpose. He believes it is a destiny. Meanwhile, Jack Shepherd sees it as just a random series of events ... coincidences. In fact, their contrasting opinions and approaches where highlighted this past week with the season premiere episode, interestingly titled: Man of Faith ... Man of Science. What a chance to share with fellow LOST fans that you might know about the "destiny" that you have been promised by God because of your faith, your obedience and his redemption.

What do you think about it? By the way, the next "big things": the I-Pod Nano (tough call on that one) and DysonAnalysis.com

Posted by Dave Smith at 6:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

It is quite impressive to see all that has been accomplished in helping the citizens of the Gulf Coast in the past month. I know that there has been much criticism of the leadership of our federal government, as well as the state and local governments of the areas affected, but in spite of that, with all that has happened, it is hard to believe that it has been less than one month since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

I spoke to a guy at our swimming pool (where else?) who was one who had lived in downtown New Orleans. His name was Steve. He owned a recording studio ... that is, to say, he used to own a recording studio. The sensitve recording equipment had been completely destroyed and he and his business partner were having to make the difficult decision as to whether they should rebuild and literally start over or take their lives in another direction.

But Steve was not bitter or angry. On the contrary, he was remarkably gracious about the sort of support that people had given to help he and others who had been displaced by this tragedy. He refused to take any cheap shots at governmental officials on any level, saying he understood that politicians feel like they have to assign blame, but he wouldn't do so. Instead he asked me, "Do you think any agency or political leader in our country genuinely has a plan for relocating a million and a half people in one week that everyone would be happy with?" I had to admit that I didn't. He went on to again reiterate how appreciative he was of everyone's efforts to make that happen in spite of the criticism that was going on.

I must admit that I was struck by this guy's humility and graciousness. We talked for almost an hour about his studio, the recording business, his love for New Orleans, our spiritual relationship with the Lord and more. He asked about our church camp and how things were going there (how he knew about our church camp I assume can be attributed to local Sayle Gardens Apartments grapevine ... after all, it was how I knew about him initially).

After awhile, he got his things together to leave and I prepared to finish swimming my laps. Before he left, he told me, "Dave, thanks for everything that you are doing." I chuckled and reminded him that when I offered to help him with something that he had declined it, saying he was doing okay. He admitted, "I didn't need the help that you could offer ... but my neighbors, who suffered a lot more than I did needed your help and the help of millions of others ... and you all helped. As bad as this all was, we'll be a better nation for it. Because more people know that they can count on each other for help."

I think he was right! I was reminded that even the tragic events that occur through this imperfect world we live in don't prevent God from being honored and glorified. For instance, think how many times in the last month prayers have been offered, thanking God for "Good Samaritans" who weren't even believers, but because of something built into their DNA refuse to watch and do nothing. Why? Because we were made in his image ... because we are like him. As terrible as mankind may become, there is that spark within us all to be like our Father. We may ignore it sometimes, but it is still there ... and our nation, indeed our world is better for it!

Posted by Dave Smith at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments