Escape

Escape

Let's just face it -- pop culture is everything in our society. Whether we're at school, at work, or even at the supermarket (tabloids, anyone?), we all must face this beast at some point in our already hectic lives. Now I'm not saying it's all bad, but I believe it's hard to sit still and watch all the mixed-up people in the world obsess over the latest headlines on our nation's famous leaders, cheaters, and overeaters. All we're ever doing when we do this is glorifying a fallen and unworthy cause instead of glorifying our Savior.

As Christians, it's not our job to criticize people for their mistakes -- our pop culture TV shows and magazines do just that, and publicize it to make it much worse. We shun the rich and famous for their false deeds, when chances are, we've committed the same ones. As Jesus once said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." "But I'm not famous," you may reason. "I'm not going to influence lots of people with my decisions." Now it's true that you may not influence as many people as Jessica Simpson or Halle Berry, but you might be surprised at the number of people watching you. As you can see from our odd ability to memorize meticulous facts and figures about our favorite pop culture stars, we people are like sponges, soaking up everything around us, whether it's good for us or not.

Speaking of that, we also need to guard our hearts and minds from things that can contaminate them. When it comes to this, we are all like small children. Think about when a young child sees a picture of a scantily-clad woman on the front of a magazine in the checkout line at the grocery store. She will be curious, and naturally remember the picture very distinctly because of that. In a way, we are all these children, being drawn to things that can hurt us because we are curious, kind of like when a rabbit loses its way and wanders into a snare. Just like that, we become trapped with thoughts of things that dishonor God.

The last thing I want to tell you is that the happenings of pop culture stars aren't that important to us in the long run. Does it really change your life any if someone you don't even know gets plastic surgery? Obviously, they're the ones who are uncomfortable with their appearances, not you, and frankly it isn't any of your business. Or what about a haircut? Why were so many young girls devastated when teen pop star Justin Bieber cut his hair, when there are many people in the world who don't even have any hair to cut because of sickness and strong treatments such as chemotherapy? Pop culture makes us selfish and deprives us of life's true meaning: a wonderful relationship with the One who gave us life in the first place.

So this month, I challenge you to escape. If you haven't already, step away from the much-traveled path of pop culture indecency and live life to the fullest. Do this, and you'll be a much happier person. All you need is to trust God to help you keep from falling into temptation, and escape from the average, predictable way our society runs itself. I know it's hard, but it'll pay off in the end.