Me and Reality TV
True confession…
…I like reality TV shows.
I don’t watch reality TV very often, but I’m drawn into the drama of “real” life. Kia hates it. I kinda like it. This week I stumbled on a reality show via Netflix – Breaking Amish. Have you heard of it?
Breaking Amish follows a group of 4 Amish (and 1 Mennonite) young people (ages in early 20’s) who leave their strict communities to travel to New York City. I’m only 4 episodes in, so a majority of the show has covered their backgrounds, the implications of leaving home, and their initial reactions to being in the big city.
I don’t know how true or real this show is – parts seems unreal, but I was intrigued by the feelings expressed and what it meant (in their words) to be Amish. All of them talk about their background in terms of community and culture…not a connection with God.
As they leave their families, each expresses a sense of concern. What does this ultimately lead to? Who are they really? Can they come back if this doesn’t work out? The world they’re leaving revolves around how they acted, dressed and talked. They constantly navigated what others thought and said about them.
All of us, no matter what culture we live in, are being judged and critiqued. We are subtly (or not so subtly) told how to act, what to do, where to be, how to dress and more.
The most poignant moment of the 4 episodes I watched was when 2 of the girls tried their hand at modeling (yeah, this is one of those “Is this real?” moments). One girl is accepted in the agency and the other is rejected. The one who is rejected is visibly upset, but says something very profound through her hurt.
I left the Amish to get away from constant critique. I felt like I was walking right back into that world.
How amazing is that!
Two worlds that at first blush couldn’t seem to be further apart from one another – the Amish and fashion modeling. Yet they both operate on the same premise – constant critique of those around them.
Confidence in a Critical World
Jesus knew that they Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. -John 13:3
Jesus was no stranger to this way of life. He lived in a culture that placed high demands on following rules and regulations. However, Jesus was able to navigate this culture without losing his bearings.
How?
Jesus was completely confident in who he was. He knew he was sent by the Father. He knew his authority came from God.
Why?
Jesus wasn’t focusing on the culture around him. He wasn’t looking at the rules or those who enforced the rules. Jesus knew scripture for himself. Jesus looked at the Father and saw the fruit of this action. Jesus worked miracles – fed thousands with a loaf a bread and a couple of fish sticks, healed the blind and raised the dead. Seeing his own good works empowered Jesus in his ministry.
It also gave him the confidence to serve others. His confidence allowed him, as master, to wash his disciples feet at the last meal he would share with them before death (John 13).
What about you?
Do we have this same confidence?
We need the ability to look past the critiquing culture we are in and see God. This gives us true confidence.
How do we do this? Here are 3 practical ways to be confident in a critiquing world:
- Read and know scripture for yourself (Acts 17:11). I believe this is true whether you are a Christian or not. It is a powerful tool to give us confidence.
- Remember and share the incredible things God has done for you (Revelation 12:11). No one (not even you) can refute a personal story of God’s grace in your life.
- Meet with like-minded people (Hebrews 10:25). Getting together with other people who have the same values and goals help you see more clearly.
This may be the most important thing we can do becoming confident. Let’s not end up starring in a reality show in 10 years! Let’s be confident.
How do you find confidence in a critical world?
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