“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Letting off steam always produces more heat than light Neal A. Maxwell
That little phrase, first world problems, became an internet meme about twenty years ago. It explains “a usually minor or trivial problem or annoyance experienced by people in relatively affluent or privileged circumstances, especially as contrasted with problems of greater social significance facing people in poor and underdeveloped parts of the world.” This definition is according to Merriam-Webster.
It is a handy reminder that the problems many of us experience are, in light of the rest of the world, pretty insignificant. The reason I am thinking of this today is because I am writing this blog a few hours before the Super Bowl. In the United States, believe it or not, some people are getting fairly cranked up about the halftime show. Competing with the regular halftime show is an alternative show said to be more family friendly.
As has often been said about many disagreements- the energy expended on it tends to generate “more heat than light”. This situation fits that bill. It is another of the culture wars displays that will only divide people without bringing people closer together.
If the Christian community could recognize that the world will see Jesus only to the extent that they see Christians treating others with kindness, love and respect, then such disagreement as a halftime show could be seen as the minimal issue that it truly is.
So, I am sure that people will watch what they want at halftime of the Super Bowl. I am guessing also that viewership numbers will be seen as a litmus test of the “rightness” of a political position. Therein lies the problem. We are looking at the wrong things to determine Christian impact on the culture if a halftime show is an indicator.
Prayer: Lord, help us to keep our eyes on the things that lift you up and help others to see you, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 