Every so often we all say this one line. It’s not a once and only once statement. It’s something that children must say many times a day early in life. As we get older, this line comes less often. Remember saying, “Now, I’ve seen everything!” And yes, we say it right after we see something so bizarre, so crazy, we figure that no one will ever do something, shall I say it, dumber then that ever again. You know what I mean.
I must be getting younger again because I find myself repeated this line more times then enough. I guess it has something to do with reality shows. I can’t believe that people would subject themselves to self ridicule or self abasement, by doing this stuff or be filmed while involved in it. And I’m not just talking about Jerry Springer. I am not a fan of much of this type of programing. But sometimes, when you are trying to find something worthwhile to watch you read either the guide or surf. I’m old so I remember the early ones reality shows. When you thought, wow, that would be something to do. I remember some of the first things I saw. There was bungee jumping, and eating some strange foods from other lands. It was sort of, “I dare you to. . . .” And they did. One after another would do something strange or unusual. Eating bugs is definitely not on my bucket list. Back then, it was entertainment. Over the years it has become stranger and stranger. The reality programs have become more about the strange and the unfortunate.
Remember, “Candid Camera,” and “Truth or Consequences”? The in the sixties and seventies, we had, “The Newlywed Game”, and later, the strange “Gong Show”. In the eighties we had our own Canadian show, “Thrill of a Lifetime”. I was on one of those shows, racing a motorcycle on ice at Port Perry during a snow storm. It aired April 5 1982. Here is another line, “Been there, done that and have the T-shirt to prove it. I still have it and it reads, “Re-Born to be Wild”.
Over the years, this has all changed. Yes we still have dancing and talent and all those different Idols going around, but I believe tv has begun the long spiral down. Somewhere along the way we have become obsessed with reality that shows degrade people. The strangest part is, they line up to be filmed doing it. We have shows where people do unhuman activities just to win. Which means there are losers. “Fear Factor” and “The Weakest Link” and “The Real Wives of . . . ”. Where will this obsession with degrading people end? I think I have seen it all. I just saw on the tv guide a show that chronicled the problems of very over weight ladies and their struggles through their pregnancy. How about a show that chronicles a diet program where they loose the weight while pregnant? A close second might be the show that takes us into the struggles of wills between two mothers of the weddings. How about two mother in laws that work together.
I’m starting to wonder if the church is now the only place where people can go without it being broadcast to the world, to seek healing and forgiveness. Maybe this is the churches next mission? A place where people who have problems can go for help. Surrounded by other people have been there. A place where we lift each other up with care and love. Where we all work on one common goal, to be healed by a God who wants all of us to be winners and all of us get to heaven. Maybe that is the reality show they wouldn’t televise because no one would watch. It would be a show that brings the reality of our sin face to face with the reality of Jesus Christ, dying on a cross to pay for your sin and mine. And as Paul put it, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness . . . “
Something to think about.
Rob