Reality Based spirituality?

There are two shows I am hooked on, and yes, they happen to be reality shows. They are "The Biggest Loser" and "Chopped". One is all about obese people trying to lose weight and the other has to do with four chefs trying to be the last one standing,in other words, trying not to be 'chopped'

Without a doubt in both of these shows, an amount of intense competition, skullduggery and conflict is necessary. Those are elements compulsory for TV viewership. It is also depressing at times for while compeition is exciting to watch, it also in some ways reminds us of our very primal nature to get ahead at the expense of someone else. It always leaves a taste of wanting something more at the end, a higher and more noble precept, rather than what I witness- which is a survival of the fittest in the ultimate Darwinian sense

On certain occasions, I see some contestants knowingly and willingly put the interests of the group or their team first over themselves. Invariably, while they are loved and respected for that (so say their teammates as they tear up..and then vote them off anyway for being a threat!), they do not win. It seems that Americans love a sole winner and champion the individual succeeding at all costs, no matter the social impact

It broke my heart when I saw a contestant on 'chopped' last night give one of his two eggs to his competitor in the final cook-off last night. He didn't need to do it but he did, and in the end; it jeopardised his dish and he lost the contest. Was his compeititor grateful? No way. She acted as though it was on her own effort, disregarding the charity of the other person. What was even more demoralising was that when the loser was interviewed at the end, he admitted that he should not have given up the egg and instead had concentrated on keeping it all for himself

Thus went another disillusioned soul into the night, who now believes that the meek will not inherit the earth and he will get stomped on if they turn the other cheek. Better to be like the world because the way of Christ doesn't pay, does it?

I sadly admit that at times, the way of our Lord does not look very intelligent, street smart of common sensical at times. In fact, just following it can make our life look like it took a downturn. But then again, Jesus did not promise that all will be great, rosy and peachy

"In this World, you will have trouble" said Christ. And you will - for following him. Don't look to the so-called corporate fat cats who claim that Jesus blessed them this way and that. Maybe so, and if they were honest, they ought to be humble and ascribe it to his grace that they are so blessed and not swimming in a lake of fire. If they claim to they are able to 'work' the gospel so it turns out well for them in terms of material riches; be careful - who are you going to belive: man or our Lord? One is a liar, the other is not. You decide

In my time, I have been made a fool for following Christ. My career has suffered due to decisions taken not to compromise the gospel, and I have had to endure the sniggerings and criticisms of being one who walks the meek way. Or as some of my less charitable detractors have labelled it - the 'loser' way

But I hope and pray that I will not be like that losing chef at the end; that no matter if the decisions I take do not make me a success in the eyes of the world, my peers, parents or even the church. As long as Jesus sees me as his own. That is enough. For to be 'chopped' by him on judgement day, will be far, far worse than anything that could happen to you on a so-called 'reality' show