Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Channel Surfing for Common Grace


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Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is a very different show, but you hear gospel echoes here as well. This show organizes entire communities to work together and care for a down-and-out family by building them a dream home. These refreshing acts of selfless community spirit encourage the audience. This is how we want to see the body of Christ work together toward a shared goal of serving the common good. And think about the family. They have just about given up on the world. But just then, someone showers them with undeserved riches. How can they respond, except with effusive gratitude?


But if viewers hear the gospel's echoes, do they know where the sound originates? Elements of these shows unfortunately dampen the gospel refrain. First, there are unintended consequences. Christians must recognize how these shows pay their bills. Each show leverages the viewer's good will for good ratings, which pleases the corporate sponsors. These home-improvement stores and clothing retailers want to breed dissatisfaction with our own homes and wardrobes. So the good will we feel while watching the shows can become discontent with what God has given us.

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