Entertainment and Christian Discipleship

Michael Crighton’s best selling novel Timeline describes society’s obsession with entertainment. One character says, “Today, everybody expects to be entertained, and they expect to be entertained all the time…Everyone must be amused, or they will switch: switch brands, switch channels, switch parties, switch loyalties. This is the intellectual reality of Western society [today]. In other centuries, human beings wanted to be saved, or improved, or freed, or educated. But [now] they want to be entertained. The great fear is not of disease or death, but of boredom.” Crichton’s character describes a love for entertainment that runs so deep that it trumps everything else.

Though Timeline is a work of fiction, the description of society’s obsession with entertainment sounds familiar. We love to be entertained. Many folks want everything in life to give them a euphoric feeling. When something ceases to keep our attention or make us feel good (in other words, entertain us), we move on.

That doesn’t work well with the Christian life. Jesus calls His people to follow Him, even when it isn’t entertaining. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” According to that passage, there is a side to Christian discipleship that involves overcoming challenges, perseverance and old-fashioned growth. That process may not be entertaining, but it is always good for God’s people.

As you go through the coming week, recognize that following Jesus is way more than entertainment. Devote your life to Him, even when other things are calling for your attention. As you do, you will find fulfillment that runs deeper than the giggles of concerts and comedy. You’ll find fulfillment in a Lord who is worth following through every up and down of life.