Alone was a TV series that placed 10 individuals in a wilderness miles apart from each other. The one who stayed the longest received $500,000. Each contestant confidently believed they could survive alone with very limited resources. But after 48-72 hours of staring reality in the face, they had to admit their belief about themselves had only been a lie. Reality is what you eventually run into when you are wrong. Truth survives time, proving it alone is dependable.
Reality TV shows are appealing because they give the illusion of what is authentic or real. Can it be authentic when the producer selects episodes and idealistic settings that will appear authentic to draw viewers? Are those real happenings you have or see around you or are they just entertaining shows? It is sobering to consider how much of what we see or hear through the media, business, classroom, church, or friends will withstand the test of time. The widespread social acceptance of an idea or behavior does not make it true or lead to mental, emotional health or strong and honorable moral character. In fact, history has repeatedly shown that the majority opinion is not always right. Crowds are often more foolish than wise.
Testing seasons are a part of every family’s journey. We are in the middle of one now. Some matters are private and managed accordingly, while others have a more public nature. When pastoring, we went through a more public one. I knew leading with personal integrity required me to be transparent with our church members. After sharing our painful situation, as the members were going out the door, a leader said to me, “Now I can relate to you better. Thank you for being transparent.” Of course, each of us must show great discretion when being transparent, but hiding behind a righteous mask leads other to mock Christianity. This lack of integrity ends up disillusions people when being transparent attracts them. To live like Jesus, we must be transparent so others can see that living a Christ-like life is possible. They need to see how we manage our mistakes with righteous integrity. How? By totally submitting the control of our life to Christ the King, He empowers us with Him love, power and wisdom to live in such a way that allows others to see living a Christian life is doable.
This does not mean living out reality will not include failures. To think it means living a perfect life would be to live out a lie. The Bible is very clear that believers will not always respond in a perfectly Christ-like way. The most important part of living a Christian life is not to be sinless! Rather, it is to be honest and transparent after he or she has made a mistake. The world needs to see and hear genuine humble repentance as much as see our sincere efforts to be set-apart from our culture and to our Lord Jesus Christ. Both are vital parts of reality in contrast to showmanship or entertainment that has brought sad disgrace to true Christianity.
That reality TV attracts so many, it confirms that our culture longs to see transparency, authenticity and reality. Is your faith in Christ transparent to those around you when you go through hardships, failures, as well as victories, and successes? That is the attractive part of the video series The Chosen. It shows the conflicts, the failures, as well as the thrills, excitement—the reality of living a Christian life. Jesus said, If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven (Matthew 5:15-16, MSG)