American Idol
America loves to idolize things. America popularizes and idolizes the “new thing”. The “thing that sold the most”. The “thing my friends are talking about”. America understands and practices it’s right to idolize things and people. We saw that today Michael Jackson is being heralded as “The greatest entertainer of all time”. People idolize him. I believe that God is the only one worthy of our worship. We mistake others and things for God sometimes.
But, I agree. He is hands down the greatest entertainer of all time. Has the most albums sold. The most gold records. The most attended concerts and tours. The most popular performances. He was and is in demand. Probably the last entertainer we saw of this caliber was Elvis. Michael will always be remembered. is that wrong? I don’t think so. I pray that my life is one that affects people in this way.
But, some thoughts…
We experienced a memorial today that was unlike any other. We watched thousands of people in the staples center celebrate his life and millions watched online or on tv. This blows me away. Why did Michael Jackson have such an affect on people? Well, I think he is a very polarizing figure. Here is a musician and artist that people either loved or hated. As I watched the memorial and listened to people on twitter, I tried to understand the perspectives I was hearing. Publicity sells. Good or bad. Michael had a lot of both.
#1 I watched people online, at the memorial talk a lot about God. I am off the opinion, that every time God’s name is proclaimed, people have an opportunity to recognize Him and make a decision about Him. So, I am thankful that God was talked about. Even the apostle Paul proclaimed this. He was grateful that God was preached…even by those who didn’t know God.
#2 Michael was said to be “in heaven” many times at this memorial service. I was very discouraged by a lot of the things I read on twitter today. People ridiculed that “this pedophile” could not be in heaven. That this “sinner” is now feeling God’s wrath. I read horrible things. It was as if Christians, all over this country, could somehow, all of a sudden, know peoples hearts. Please! The only person, that knows whether or not Michael is in heaven…is GOD! Leave it alone.
#3 I read, over and over, how people were frustrated that this “rich man”, “celebrity”, “freak”, “heathen”, was being honored or celebrated, while people were dying in Iraq, or a poor person passed away down the street. I even read a person’s tweet that gave an option. “#1 I honor Michael Jackson, or #2 I honor those who dies in Iraq. I choose #2″. Seriously?!?! Why are we choosing??? Choose to honor ALL life. Not just those who are poor or rich. Those who are at peace or at war. Those who are popular or fighting for our country. ALL life deserves to be honored!
#4 Today, I watched a service that celebrated a life. It celebrated a legacy. Michael had one. And it was NOT the legacy that the media chose to tell. It was a legacy that encouraged peace and unity. It was a life poured out into music and artistry. Michael was was a man that made mistakes and sinned, just like you and me. Many people call him a pedophile. Did you even realize that he was acquitted? I think most people think he was a convicted felon. He wasn’t. And now, the accuser is taking back his story and saying it was a lie. Makes you think…
#5 I saw a family remember their brother, son, uncle, father. I heard some really stupid things today. My strongest “opinion” this day is dealing with Al Sharpton. He’s an idiot. He serves agenda and encourages racism. He makes me sick. And he calls himself a Pastor. I honored Michaels legacy today, by NOT listening to Al Sharpton. Michael stood for peace an unity. Al Sharpton stands for privilege and elitism. You may feel differently, but I believe their are people that abuse their “voice”. I believe Al Sharpton does this. Regardless, I saw friends and family remember a friend, father and family member. I think that today, was one of the first times, we have ever gotten to know michael personally on a “real” level.
So, what is my point to all this? Perspective. I am asking Christians to put their swords down. Michael is not our enemy. I am asking opinions to be real and not play the hypegame. Maybe you didn’t like his music, but he was and will always be, one of the largest artists…ever. Maybe their are more “honorable” deaths. But, I argue that all life is valuable and not thought less of because of privilege or favor.
I pray that Michael knew Jesus. I pray that through this, the family draws closer to God. Michael’s brother Marlin gave an amazing speech today. When I Iistened to him, I felt I was listening to a person who knew Jesus. I pray this is so. I was blown away at the final prayer by Pastor Lucius Smith. It was humble, reverent and it drew our attention upward. One statement was made that stuck with me, “The King of pop, is now kneeling before the King of Kings.” Amen!
But, let us remember. One day, all of us will kneel before God. He will determine who we are and whether or not, “He knows us”. I pray that today, through Michael’s life, people will know our God and will be changed by Him.
Isn’t this prayer enough, to celebrate a life? Even Michael’s?
hrm. i was hoping to have a debate, but as per usual… we see eye to eye. well written.
#bromance
joshua´s last blog ..just to take some pictures
there it is. well said, brother and i completely and wholeheartedly agree with your post here. everyone should read it. from the lovers to the fighters. and if it is okay, i am going to just copy my comment from Los’ post today in response…
“my thoughts: as with any one person who has died… the friends and family left behind want an outlet to share their love, their joys, their grief about the person who has past. Michael Jackson and who he left behind, are no different. The only difference is that MJ was famous… and abundantly so. I think his family did the right thing… allowing the reason he was famous (his fans) an outlet to celebrate and grieve as well. don’t get me started on whether a “child molester” deserves or should have a memorial because my opinion is the same as Los. and furthermore… i never saw MJ go to jail for anything… so to me… umm… innocent. the man is gone… but his talent, and his legacy as an incredible artist, brother, son and father lives on. and it needed to be celebrated.
and one more thing… may we never cast the first stone or point out the speck in someone’s eye. for we will all deserve to be stoned and all have 2×4s on our eyes. it is by grace alone and the blood of the Lamb that we are set free. and it is my hope that MJ did receive that… and through all of this his fans (idolizers) and his family and his friends would look UP and the glory of our Father… and not the glory of a pop star.”
Crystal Renaud´s last blog ..Abrupt Departure
I really like your thoughts here Crystal.
Nice post! I had to turn off the TV during Sharpton’s talk.
i believe mj’s greatest appeal and popularity was to those who, like Him, were misfits and who wanted a share in a fantasy that could take them out of their ‘real’ world and allow them to be part of a ‘better’ one – even if one of mj’s, or their own making, and not the one God chose for them.
he certainly had musical and artistic talent, that many admired over decades. i don’t think i will be given ANY chance of him being ‘missed’ any more than i can forget Elvis ‘lived’ by reason of his legacy and millions of imitators.
(anyone who wants to make a fortune should get into the white glove business fast).
As for ‘America understands and practices it’s right to idolize things and people.’??? I’m not at all sure from my vantage point outside of the US that it ‘understands’ that at all well? Or has any chance of keeping it in ‘proper’ perspective with God’s Commandments.
That is one of the reasons i have strong objections to the ‘Americanisation’ of all parts of my world. You (the US Corporate Nation)) want to ruin your own country? – Fine – go nuts! but kindly let me ruin mine without your ‘help’ tyvm.
<B
love´s last blog ..How are Christians to Behave?
Love, I actually believe we agree here. I did not speak to that thought very well.
I believe that America does not have any proper perspective on idolizing things and people. I believe America knows how to idolize people and things, but they do not know how to make God their one, true idol. So, they are very good at it, but I agree with you, they are not good at placing their attention and passion towards Jesus.
Well said Brent! Sin lives in all of us and it is that sin that makes me so angry at the name calling and sword throwing.
Just as his brother said, maybe now they’ll leave him alone….probably not though….Sad!
Toby´s last blog ..RIP Michael
Well said Brent! Sin lives in all of us and it is that sin that makes me so angry at the name calling and sword throwing.
Just as his brother said, maybe now they’ll leave him alone….probably not though….Sad!
Sorry to duplicate….the previous comment has the wrong email
.
Don’t wanna miss anything.
Toby´s last blog ..RIP Michael
Extremely well written, Brent. Thank you so much for putting my thoughts into words. How’d you do that, anyway?
Great stuff Brent!
Yesterday reminded me why I like to be called a Christ follower vs. Christian. Sometimes that label gets dragged through the gutter. I wish people could open their eyes and see themselves from others’ perspective. To bang on MJ like they have no sin in their lives is beyond hypocritical and without grace (ie. NOT Christ-like).
Speaking of Sharpton’s speech, I guess you didn’t watch it, but he totally stole it from this video and changed the words.
Mud Puppy´s last blog ..June Debrief
Ya. I chose…out of respect for Michael to not watch it. I don’t believe Al Sharpton is the kind of man, I would ever want eulogizing me.
I love that video by the way. That’s the difference. Sharpton used it to glorify Michael, when all along, it was glorifying God. That makes me sad. Sharpton is a media machine. He knows exactly what needs to be said and how to say it, to work people into a frenzy. And in this case, to point them away from God completely.
Well Written.
Could not have said it better!
Thank you!
preach it!!!!!
brandiandboys´s last blog ..Where’s Your Niche?
Nice post, Brent.
In the words of Lionel R…”Jesus is love”
Johnny Laird´s last blog ..My wonderfully brave & faithful friends
Well written.
Regarding your point #3…of course we should honor all life. I think what was getting people riled up yesterday was the perspective that no one WAS doing that…not an “either/or”.
Paul Joseph
http://www.twitter.com/PAJoseph
http://www.CriesOfTheHeart.com
Sorry Paul, I just saw that your comment had gone to spam. I saved you
Can you explain more what you are saying> I am not sure I am following you. I saw lots of people riled up yesterday on twitter. About Michael being a pedophile. About people idolizing him. About the media and their constant attention to michael during this event. I am not sure exactly what you meant.
s to my point #3. I saw a 4 or 5 tweets talking about how they choose to ignore Michael and focus o others that should deserve our attention more. I think it was because they are frustrated with all the attention Michael is getting while other more serious events around the world are going on. My point was that, just because something has more attention, we should not ignore it or not give it our respect. Michael deserved to be thought of and respected in his death. So does the old man down the street that had a stroke and passed away. Or the child in Africa that is starving. Or the soldier in Iraq that was blown away by a terrorist. They all deserve our attention and respect. The difference is that, we should be wholeheartedly focusing on the pressing issues that could save or help those with immediate needs.
I haven’t been able to be at the computer or type much, but I was sooooo upset when I got on and read comments on twitter yesterday. This is the only tweet I sent out: “sad 2 see christians judging the ‘right’ to focus on Jesus at MJs funeral. we don’t know MJs relationship w/God. Be glad His name was spoken.”
To say you and I see eye to eye on this is an understatement. And I wasn’t even that swept into the whole thing the past week or so… it was just this moment of realizing yesterday that we as Christians tend to forget that Jesus was happier sitting and having a real conversation with the tax collector than he was hanging around the righteous. He wants us to be REAL with him, and each other. Makes me want to triple check where my heart is at every moment of the day.
gitz´s last blog ..Before and After
I appreciated that tweet when I read it yesterday!
Thanks for the post. It is truly sad when we (Christ followers…really, anyone) get so caught up in the media overload that we forget the person behind the image. I didn’t watch the memorial – my thing was that watching it would have been more of an entertainment (let’s see what will happen next or who’s there) thing rather than a genuine sorrow or grieving thing…as one would have for someone who was close. I echo the prayers for him and his family – as I do for all our families and loved ones.
Crystal said it so well: “…may we never cast the first stone or point out the speck in someone’s eye. for we will all deserve to be stoned and all have 2×4s on our eyes.”
Dennis´s last blog ..Sunday Setlist: July 5, 2009
I was so annoyed yesterday during the “funeral,” mainly because the internet slowed to a crawl and it was impossible to get any work done. And yes, the idea of all that (public) money being spent on what is essentially a private affair seemed very wasteful.
Michael was a great entertainer. No doubt. He broke down barriers, both musically and socially. He stood for many things that are good and right in the world. He gave generously, loved with a big love, and desired a better world. He was a tortured soul at times, and I believe a little wacky. I cannot judge his guilt or innocence, or his heart. God will do that.
You and I REALLY agree on Sharpton. Living in the NYC area, I have to deal with his big mouth on a regular basis. (Though thankfully, he has lost much relevance these days.) I can’t believe they invited that lunatic to speak. He gives people of color a bad name whenever he opens his mouth.
I watched the recap of the event on CBS last night. I thought much of it was tasteful and decent. Brooke Shields continues to have more class than most of Hollywood. Stevie Wonder can still bring it, big time. Sharpton is still an idiot. But I’m sad for the people who obsessed over this MAN.
Mike Mahoney´s last blog ..Album Review – The Power of One: Worship Leader Edition – Israel Houghton
Your final paragraph here is right on.
Well said. I was so encouraged by all the talk about God and the faith we share. Regardless of what Michael himself believe, thousands (millions? I don’t know) heard the Good News yesterday. And that’s something to celebrate.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..Hi, may I help you?
Great post. Sharpton did get on my nerves a bit, but I expected it too. So I just muted the TV until he was done. I was ecstatic however, over the other pastor (never did catch his name) who gave the closing prayer. That dude was awesome.
The one thing I’ve been telling people is we don’t know what his final years were like. He’s been very private for the past couple years, so how do any of us know what his spiritual condition was when he died?
Jonathan´s last blog ..Are You Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Very very well said. I wasn’t able to watch or listen o the memorial but what I saw and read on Twitter also made me sad. I have no right to judge or speak against anyone…even if their lives are being played out in the media. It doesn’t matter.
Thanks for a well written and convicting post.
Great post, Brent, and I fully agree. I’d like to add one more thought.
I think there is a great deal that we, as Christ followers, can learn from the way MJ was honoured yesterday. With the exception of Al Sharpton, the entire memorial service was about highlighting the things people loved about Michael. People spoke about his qualities, his personality, and how he affected their lives. He was the object of focus and attention; his life was magnified and examined and celebrated.
As I tweeted yesterday, it was a great example of authentic worship. It was just pointed in the wrong direction. That’s not a dig at anyone who was there; it’s just an observation that I think we could really learn something there about how we worship God by doing exactly what was done yesterday; making Him the object of our focus and attention, speaking of His qualities and His personality, how He affects our lives, magnify Him, examine His Word, and celebrate Him.
Just my $0.02.
James´s last blog ..MacBook Pro Slow Boot Problem Resolved
James, I completely agree. Worship was taking place yesterday as well as memorial. I did not think the service was going to be that good and I really appreciated how they remembered and honored his life. I believe there were a handful of people in that room that truly memorialized him and a whole bunch more that worshipped him. That is sad. I loved the closing prayer and thought it was perfectly fitting to sum up everything that had happened and then to put everyone into perspective.
All religion and allegations aside…
I can’t do it, Brent.
I just can’t justify this much media attention to the death of a singer/dancer.
Actual quotes:
> “This is more tragic than 9/11.”
> “This is the worst thing that’s happened in the past 100 years.”
> “There’s nothing left to life now. No reason to keep going on.”
Pregnant lady: “I don’t want to bring my child into a Michael Jacksonless world.”
Although extreme, these quotes somewhat represent our country’s obsession with this guy.
He was a FABULOUS musician and entertainer. Similar to my thoughts on Oprah, I will not worship him. He did some good deeds, yes. So have I. And so have you.
I can’t justify it. He’s not a savior. He’s not a god. He does not deserve 24/7 news coverage. Let’s move on.
Sorry to be negative man…really. Just my honest thoughts/feelings.
Bill
Forst of all, I have to say that I smile when I read your comment and see you avatar next to it
Apart from that Bill, I agree with you. My comments here were to take a different perspective on how we as Christians should see people. In this case, more specifically, Michael. I thought the service was very good. Ive led many services in our church just like it. The big difference as James pointed out was, that it never pointed us to Jesus really. Just remembered Michael.
However, I think you are right. America and people are out of control. The media is out of control. Idol worship and celebrity is destroying our country. Greed, jealousy, pride. They are all poured out into Michael. However, I don’t think it’s just Michael. I think we do this with food, possessions, even church. It drives me nuts to see churches purposefully market themselves.
I, as you, can never justify idolizing or worshipping Michael and I never will. I pray others don’t. I know many do. In all of it, I still believe he was a man that needs God’s love and I pray that he surrendered to it at some point in his life. I also pray as the final prayer was said, that he understands completely the true KING he is kneeling before now.
Also, I too was very sick at many of the comments that have been made about Michael being gone. Did you know there are over 13 documented cases of suicide attributed to Michael’s death? That’s sick. that’s sad. That’s the America I see often and the one you’ve spoken to here.
I saw the title of your post thought I might drop by for a debate. Unfortunately I agree with everything you say.
I did choke a little on “He is hands down the greatest entertainer of all time”. I do however realize that Frank Sanatra was before your time.
, as was Rudy Vallee (my grandmother), Al Jolsen (my mother), and Louis Armstrong (my jazz loving father) and of course Elvis (my sister). 
Every era has it’s own “greatest entertainer of all time”, which is really beside the point.
If you believe in God then I think you would believe that he is the only one who can judge any of us.
I don’t believe in God, but I do accept that until my own behavior is “perfect”, I don’t have the right to judge anyone else.
I might be the only one on the planet who did not watch the MJ memorial. Me only interest/concern rest with his children. I hope they get the guidance they will need.
ed´s last blog ..Work & Dream Jobs
Ed, I too hope for the best for his kids. I pray that there are no lengthy and unnecessary court battles to come. They already have a loving family. That was evident at the memorial as well. I pray for their health and safety too.
First up – I didn’t watch the memorial, just so you know. And this is a bit rambly, so sorry.
I think there’s a real misunderstanding in society today about the difference between honour (heck yes I did just go there and put a ‘u’ in!) and worship.
It’s right and proper that we honour people. An example I’ll mention because it’s very fresh in my mind is that during Hillsong Conference yesterday, there was a Skype call made to Delirious, and they were honoured for what they’ve contributed to worship music. For me, their music has impacted me for many years, and I’ve appreciated their heart to bring people into the presence of God through worship. Now, with my Northern Irish perspective, honouring people is a complete cultural non-entity. It just doesn’t happen in my background, and it’s taken me a good few years to realise the power and rightness of honouring people – like you said, everyone deserves a bit of honour. I could go at length about how honour is sorely lacking in society.
What we DO have is celebrity and idol worship in abundance, and I have to confess, it makes me feel ill. Not that people don’t deserve honour, but that they are endowed with pseudo-supernatural qualities to influence life by the sheer fact that they are famous. I don’t even really need to mention MJ, but I think he like almost every other celeb, have fallen foul of being an ‘influencer’, whether by accident or design.
I don’t know if I’m pulling these random thought-threads together effectively, but I feel we have to develop our ability as people between what is worthy of honour (a higher percentage) and what is worthy of worship (God).
For the most part, Christians can’t even honour each other, so it’s no surprise to see some of the comments on Twitter. Yet, Christians are so eager to blur that line between honour/worship themselves when it comes to the big speakers, the influencers in the Christian world. To quote Louie Giglio yesterday when he was asked to speak on leadership and being a leader, his response was, “Follow Jesus. Period.”
Lastly, among all the talking, insults, idolising and 3,452nd version of MJ ‘Tribute’ on the telly, I keep coming back to this:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
People are not the enemy. Even if they are deceased musicians with huge fan bases. Deal with the root issue, not the perceived reaction to it.
Diane´s last blog ..Depends Who You’re Singing It To
Diane, I love your thoughts here. And I agree. We wrestle “not against flesh and blood”.
I LOVE your blogs, I am English and know a family exactly like yours. The father is a Canon and the whole family is musically talented. It seems to me that God has blessed your family. Just like he has the family i know
.
God bless you
Paul
Wow, Paul, this is very kind. I am thankful to hear of another person with a wonderful family!