‘Australia’s Got Talent’
‘Australian Idol’
‘The X-Factor’
We probably all know the names of these T.V. shows!
It seems today, that the whole world has gone crazy over
talented people, and that most people are in desperate pursuit to find fame, fortune,
and worth as a human being from their talent, or more specifically from the
world!
Now I am not saying that talent is a bad thing…because
that would be wrong!
It would be wrong, because God Himself gives us talents, and
we are made in His image!
He tells us in His
Word, that we are NOT to be ashamed of our talents, rather we are to use them for His
glory!
And really this is where the problem lies…because once again
it comes down to a matter of the human heart!
Personally, I was born with genetics from both sides of my family
line that contain people with artistic abilities. Therefore I was considered a ‘natural’ when I
began dance classes at the age of eleven, and even though I did not start
ballet until 12 years of age (which is considered late) I ended up becoming a
professional dance teacher. I can sing
in tune, and feel most comfortable with arts subjects. However this does not make me superior to
anyone else! And it does not make me a
good person, even if I may seem likeable J
I remember listening to a wonderful speech by Cameron
Russell, who says that she won a genetic lottery, and how that models although
perceived as ‘having it all’ are actually mostly self-conscious…you can watch
it here…
I can relate to feeling insecure…I never won the grand finale
of a talent quest; I struggled with my weight, and personal relationships; I was
not accepted at most auditions; I still am not a great academic writer, or an
exceptional artist…so you see there is always a flip side to how we perceive our
worth when we compare ourselves to the world’s standards!
Idols, they come
in many shapes and sizes…when we go shopping, my kids and I cringe at the idol
statues which seem to be everywhere! But
even if we don’t have them in our garden, we can have them in our heart, when we
elevate people and their talent to that of more than what they are! Indeed, as I have said, talents are a
blessing from God that we can celebrate, but they should be used to glorify God,
and the praise should always go to HIM!
“That’s a bit
legalistic!” Perhaps some people may think…but I don’t agree, I think it’s
the truth!
God needs to be
number one…are you teaching this to your kids?
Believe me, from someone who has experience what it’s like
to be considered talented…when you’re not the exact thing being looked for at
that exact time…you are discarded! I often,
OFTEN hear people saying to kids, do what you’re passionate about and I think,
well how about first being passionate for God, and then waiting to see where He
leads you using the talents He gave you!
Sports Stars,
Business Tycoons, Models, Artists, Singers, Musicians…what happens when
their time is up…when the unthinkable injury or illness occurs…or they just are
too old…or they’re just not the latest star?
What happens to these precious individuals, uniquely made by God, when
they’re faced with NO? What happens to
their self-worth, when all that they were, or what they thought made them
special fades?
My heart aches when I see some parents pushing their kids to
pursue their talents, in what’s really a seedy, money hungry, abusive world,
above seeking Christ and His will for their life! But it seems many people are in denial, because
they don’t really know what it is like.
Will they listen to someone who has decided to get out of it? Maybe not, as the lure of fame and money is
so strong, and for the reasoning that; ‘We just want our kids to be happy!’ Meaning that they think financial security
will provide their kids with stability and happiness!
Jesus Himself said… ‘For what profit is it to a man if he gains the
whole world, and loses his own soul?’
And this is in 3 gospels! Matt
16:26; Mark 8:36; Luke 9:25.
Really the proof is out there…just take a look at poor
Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus and that is only three of the
more current headliners!
I know this is a long post for me, but I will finish soon
with the assertion that Godly Character
is to be prized above talent! I repeat
Godly Character is to be GREATLY PRIZED above talent!! And I will even assert this above academic pursuits! Yes I will!
For I would rather my child to be a child of God, working honestly than
a corrupt MD! I would rather my sons be disciples
of Jesus, who provide for, and protect their families, above being an absent business
director who drives a sports car!
How do I end this passionate appeal? Perhaps with ‘Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness’ Matt 6:33.
This is not an out-of-date appeal it is
the truth! Yes celebrate your child’s
talent, but ALWAYS point them towards the one who gave them the talent! Do not push your own ideas onto your child, or
let them run head-on into the crazed highly sexed world. Raise them with Godly virtues, and the
discipline of prayer to seek God’s will for their life and usage of their
talent! For we are to be a light in the
world! We are to be in this world, but
we are not to be of it…do not be fooled, the temptations are real and so enticing!
And this is what God is saying in Revelation 18:4 with the warning to come out
of the world and to NOT participate in its sins! We cannot be a light while participating in
the promotion of sin!
In love, Melanie.
