[Simon Cowell vs. Jesus] – “‘Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 26:1).

Most of us do not struggle with idolatry. The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: the worship of a physical object as a god or immoderate attachment or devotion to something.

It can be easy to attach devotion to something or someone. Pastor Chris Brown said we as Christians struggle with idolatry, but if it defines our character or lifestyle then that’s where it gets dangerous.

So, what do you attach worth to? Your family? Your bank account? Your health? Until recently I didn’t realize how much I worshiped my own abilities. My ability to work, make money, and hang out with friends until my health tanked. As a single 20-something it’s easy for me to attach devotion to the things that sustain me and keep me independent.

The Bible says we are to take captive anything (see: Idols) that set itself up against the knowledge of God and make it obedient to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5). But, how do we do that?

1. Worry Only About Impressing Jesus
Simon Cowell, your boss, your parents, your family, and your friends can deceive you. Heck, your heart can even deceive you. Go to Jesus first with your worries because He cares for you.

2. Trust “Judge” Jesus
While you’re waiting on life, to be notice, for justice, or whatever– read Proverbs 3:5-6. It says to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

3. Hope in the Outcome
You might not have the natural talent to advance you to the next round, but fear not! We serve a God who is more concerned for our welfare than we realize. He will never leave us nor forsake us whether we sound like William Hung or Kelly Clarkson. He has plans for a future and a hope.

[Big Hairy Spiders Meet Big Hairy Jesus] – “There is no fear in love.” (1 John 4:18a).

I have struggled with fear my whole life. Fear of failing, rashes, bee’s and roller coaster’s. Oh and the fear of falling in love. I had my heart broken once and I never want to experience it again. I’m sure I will because we’re human and we all do stupid things to each other.

Because of how many fear’s I’ve had to face in this life time I don’t consider myself a pansy! In fact, I see fear for what it is. Crippling death knocking on my door asking me to be someone I’m not. Jesus says in his Word to NOT have a spirit of FEAR, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

He also tells us not to be afraid of others. You may be experiencing a painful relationship, a toxic work environment, or the fear of saying no to temptation (not once but every time). Whatever it is I tell you “pick up your mat and walk!” (John 5:8). Trample over the fear. Walk through the door of God’s love to the freedom you always wanted, never thought you would possess, and now experience.

The real test of faith is your fear factor. Are you trusting in your own abilities or running into the open arms of Jesus?

“Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God” (Deuteronomy 7:21).

“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:1-4).

[When people stop being polite... and start getting real] – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9).

MTV’s The Real World is a reality show that picks strangers to live together and have their lives taped. It’s amazing what happens when people “stop being polite and start getting real.”

I am sure the casting directors pick the craziest most outrageous people for ratings and good television. And there’s always the stereotypes (the religious, homophobic, racist), you know–anything that would cause drama, more outbursts and even better ratings!

It’s very easy to get sucked into these kind of reality shows (at least for me) because it’s like watching a car-wreck. (You know the kind that everyone stops to watch on the side of the road). I don’t understand why we stop and look, but we do.

But what we don’t realize is that what is going on in the “real” world is not always real.

What’s real is to get angry and upset and cause drama because it feels real. The Real World wouldn’t be complete without issues such as quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder (2 Corinthians 12:20). Not to mention “orgies and drunkenness, sexual immorality and debauchery (Romans 13:13).

But after this life the only reality we face is heaven. Do you know what you’re going to say when you stand before Jesus?

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

MTV paints the picture of what’s real is what’s going on right now. But I tell you people will know we’re real Christians by our actions and how we treat others (Listen to Pastor Larry’s sermon).

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8).

[Jesus vs. Survivor] – “Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town” (Matthew 23:34).

Have you ever noticed a certain car because you purchased one or someone you know recently did? Suddenly you see that car everywhere!!

I’ve been trying to pull the pieces of my new “What is Reality” series for the week and here are the pieces I’ve seen over and over…

“Nothing is new under the sun.” Everything has already been covered because history r-e-p-e-a-t-s itself (Ecclesiastes 1:9-11). Therefore, Survivor is not a new concept…People have been “voting” each other off since humans existed.

Note: Adam and Eve’s first two children. Cain killed Abel because his sacrifice was not good enough. See also today’s verse in the killing of the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 23:24).

“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!‘ ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!‘” (Matthew 27:22-23)

But, Jesus is the only Prophet who came back from the dead (See Matthew 28). He didn’t take voting off as the end. There are hundreds of prophecies about Jesus, but the one that stands above the rest is His resurrection!

Whenever I feel like I am misunderstood or part of the wrong tribe I can take confidence that this is nothing new. If I’m going to believe in Jesus I’m going to suffer just like he did (Romans 5:3, 8:17-18). Society will offer up new twists each generation on religion. It will trick you into believing that you don’t have to suffer like Jesus did.

You may be in a country that doesn’t allow faith in Jesus or you might be a part of a click that claims to be Christian but doesn’t act like it (see Chris Brown’s sermon from this week). No matter what your reality is decide today to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your family can be saved” (Acts 16:31).