REAL LIFE REALITY
The mole: Find out who is the mole. 12 people, 1
mole. Game based on lies.
Temptation Island: 6 couples, 12 singles try to break up the couples
Fear Factor: 6 individuals trying to overcome their fear to win 50,000 dollars
Big Brother: 12 house guest vote each other off, while all of America (Big Brother) watch
Survivor: 16 individuals cast off in some remote area, given little food trying to be the ultimate survivor and win 1,000,000 dollars
The sad thing is, is that none of these shows, have anything to do with reality or real life.
Reality is a sixteen year old girl, pregnant, her parents want nothing to do with her, she looking for answers. Don’t believe that’s reality, then go down to The AGAPE PREGNANCY CENTER in Norfolk, and you’ll see how real it is.
Reality is a 45 year old man, going from job to job, not being able to get steady work because of a life crippling drug addiction. Don’t believe that’s reality, then go down to the NORFOLK RESCUE MISSION, and you’ll find out how real it is.
Reality is a Mother of 2, her body and mind several damaged, because of years of physical and mental abuse. Don’t think this is reality, then go down to Norfolk to BRIGHT HORIZONS SHELTER FOR BATTERED AND ABUSED WOMEN. I think you’ll find just how real it is.
Reality is a family that is lost and hurting, going from day to day without hope in their lives. Don’t think this is reality, look at your next door neighbor! I think you’ll find out just how real it is!
While these reality shows don’t portray life as it really is, there are some REAL LIFE REALITY lessons that each of us can learn from these shows.
I. THE MOLE
Who is the mole?
(John 8:44 says, You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.)
Their is a mole in the world and that mole is Satan himself. Who even at this very minute, he is battling for the hearts and minds of each and every human life. Now that’s not reality TV, I wish it were, no that’s just plain reality!
II. TEMPTATION ISLAND
Now that we have our mole, what does he want? He wants what he’s always wanted, YOUR SOUL! And how is he going to get it, the way he’s always gotten it, TEMPTATION! Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden, he tempted Jesus in the desert, and he temps you and me, in our walk through life!
(Prov.1:10 says, My son, if sinners entice you, do not give into them) How can we do that? By leaning on the words of (I Cor.10:13 where it says, No temptation has seized you except what is common to man, and God is Faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.)
III. FEAR FACTOR
But you might be saying, Chris, I’m afraid! Listen to the words of (Luke 12:5 where it states, But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after killing the body has the power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you fear him.) You see no matter what Satan does to you no matter how he temps you, you can stand with confidence, you see because his bark is far worse than his bite. I think David had it right on in the (23 Psalm when he said, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.)
IV. BIG BROTHER
I will fear no evil for you are with me, and that’s exactly where Big Brother come into play! You see we have a Big Brother and His name Jesus! If you don’t believe me look at (Hebrews 2:10-11 where it says, In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God for whom and through whom every thing exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.)
How do I know Jesus can help me when I am tempted? Continue reading in (Hebrews 2:17-18. For this reason he had to made like His brothers in every way, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.) I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the kind of reality, I need in my life! Knowing that there is someone out there, who knows what I’m dealing with and what I’m going through. Knowing that there is someone out there can help and give hope.
V. SURVIVOR
The goal of the TV show Survivor is to be the last one on the island and win the 1,000,000 dollar prize. I would submit that the goal of the Christian life, make it to the end and claim our prize as well. What is our prize? Listen to (James 1:12. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him) This morning one question still stands, ARE YOU A SURVIVOR?
The real life reality is that Satan is real. He is always testing and tempting us and trying to get us off course. But isn’t it great to know matter what fear factors he puts in our path, we have Jesus as our Big Brother, and if we put our hope in Him we can we real Survivors!
