Confessions of A Victim of Faith Reality TV
Reality TV is a genre of entertainment that became popular in the early 2000s. It has become a mainstay in our times. The Collins online dictionary defines it as:
A type of television programming that aims to show how ordinary people behave in everyday life, or in situations often created by the makers, which are intended to represent everyday life.
Critics argue that the shows don’t reflect reality. The participants are coached, exploited, and the situations are artificial.
I’ve noticed that perceptions about what is real, genuine, great, and mediocre change over time. Villain’s become martyrs. Sinners become saints, and rebels emerge as heroes. The unimaginative become genius, and throwaways become masterpieces.
It’s all a matter of time, interpretation, and perspective. I had an older friend named Roscoe who passed about four years ago. Roscoe was very active until age 90. He always said living for many years enabled him to sort out what was true and real.
After 40 years of interest in the subject of faith, I wonder what prompts me now to study the end of the book of faith- the final verses of Hebrews Chapter 11?
I don’t want to make excuses, but the televangelists and radio preachers I came to admire as a new believer did not talk about the end of the Chapter.
There is an anonymous saying, When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Perhaps my desire to have a broader understanding of faith prompts the Teacher -the Holy Spirit- to bring these passages to my attention.
What things? It’s not what but who. It’s the host of people enshrined in the Faith Hall of Fame right along with Abraham, Moses, David, and the others. Who are these people? Well, that’s a big part of it; their names are not provided.
What exploits got them enshrined in the Hall ? Glad you asked. Let’s take a look. They were those who:
- Did not accept deliverance when tortured in order to obtain a better resurrection.
- Appeared before judges and were mocked, scorned, beaten, and imprisoned.
- Were stoned, sawed in half, and killed with the sword.
- Wandered homeless in deserts, mountains, and caves, destitute, afflicted and tormented. (Hebrews 11:35-38)
Our perspective on faith is incomplete if we fail to take these individuals into account. Faith is not just about those who kill the giant, build empires, raise the dead, and triumph in battle.
To ignore these suffering Hall inductees renders our understanding of faith incomplete. To teach on faith uninformed by their heroism is misleading.
Sad to say, but I have been watching a lot of Faith Reality TV over the years.
The stories of these unnamed heroes expand our understanding of who is faithful. I believe I know people who await enshrinement in the Faith Hall of Fame.
Not just those who ascend to the mountaintop are enshrined. You can labor in the valley and enter.
You don’t have to be the chief architect building Solomon’s Temple. You can be a bricklayer or a seamstress, a day laborer, or a surveyor in the process.
I’ve encountered many unsung heroes who labor in obscurity. They manage the pain of deferred dreams. They suppress heartache and show up with a smile. They have suffered loss but continue serving. They step up when needed!
Many unsung heroes occupy the Faith Hall of Fame paving the way for others. God has special things in store for them.
Think about your circle of influence. I am sure you know those who will enter. Seek these heroes out and encourage them.
Please understand that I am not talking about entering heaven. All of the redeemed will enter, but the Hall is reserved for those deemed worthy by their exploits of faith.
Our suffering faith elders do not detract from the positivity of our faith because we serve the God of all hope. We should be the light in dark places.
God is not restricting access into the Hall of Faith. There is an enshrinement ceremony awaiting you and me. Let’s embrace a broader understanding of what it means to have faith in God. God Bless! Press On!! Kevin
