erred to have the television tuned to something else. As I watched the singing contest unfold, I was always amazed at how the weekly winners (or more precisely—the weekly loser) were chosen more on popularity than talent. Even though I am not a extremely gifted vocalist, I can spot the difference between a good singer and a great singer. For weeks and weeks, an average singer remained on the show even though he clearly was not as talented as the others. When asking Cynthia about this, she stated that the “girls” thought he was attractive so he kept getting enough votes to remain on the show. In my humble opinion, however, this type of voting completely undermines the validity of a talent show like this, and it turns into nothing more than a popularity contest. But given the fact that Fox television is in the business of attracting viewers and making money, I suppose they know more about these kinds of things than I.I suppose there is not too much harm in a show like American Idol, and it does serve as an alternative to a lot of the crazy, salacious programming that fills the TV channels. We have the cable package that provides about 70 separate channels, but I never cease to be amazed that we can have 70 channels and there still be nothing on. Given the popularity of American Idol, I am glad that local congregations haven’t adopted the weekly vote system. What a challenge it would be to know that a bad sermon one week could do me in! But, on the other hand, preaching shouldn’t be a popularity contest either. And we all know that it certainly isn’t based on good looks. I suppose I will just continue to go along on my merry way, trying to be faithful to the task that God has given me. I may never win a contest like American Idol, but serving and loving the congregation of FBC Statesboro is reward enough for me.
