The Tribe has Spoken . . . And It looks like Jesus Did Too?

I probably watch an unhealthy amount of reality tv. I've mentioned this before and added that I do so because it becomes fodder for my thoughts and philosophies. I could probably write a million posts about it and eventually will.  Tonight though, I wanted to address something that happens on reality shows (and sports games and other competitive things) that really gets on my last nerve.

One of the reality show stereotypes is the Christian No One Likes. Now, many Christians will believe this person isn't liked because they are a Christian. They fall into this self-induced, self-congratulatory martyrdom that "people dislike me because I make them uncomfortable because I follow JEEEEEEEEEEEEZUS and that's the truth and the Devil makes them angry about it."  Actually, no. The reason no one likes the Christian No One Likes is because this person is an asshole.

There are many traits that usually make these people assholes.

• Constant talk about how much better they are than everyone else because Jesus even though they play just as dirty and evil as everyone else.
•  Judgmental comments and actions towards others they view as "the bad people" even though they do the same things.
• Overly dramatic displays of zealotry just for the sake of getting camera time.
• Speeches about how they are more deserving than others becauseJesus.
• A kind of fake and insincere questioning of their own motivations and evil deeds towards winning, but no actual moment where they stop in these behaviors.

However, there is one thing that these people do that gets on my nerves more than anything else. They will pray that they win the competitions over the other team.  Yes, that's right.

They pray for Jesus to take sides on a reality show.

Of course, they always make a show of it being Jesus's choice. "Lord, if it's your will, please let us beat the snot out of the Blue Team."  You know, that kind of thing. Total lip service.  There is a huge amount of arrogance in this. For one thing, they're assuming that Jesus watches Survivor or whatever enough to know what is going on.

The worst part though, is that they're praying, they are actually praying that Jesus takes sides.  So . . . just because this person is praying that they win the Hit the Rat with a Stick competition, they should get to win it over the woman on the other side who needs the money to help pay for her daughter's heart surgery or something?  If their side wins, should the other side take it as a sign that Jesus doesn't love them?

It's all so disgusting.

Now, do I have a problem with people praying on reality shows? No, of course not. I think there are very appropriate things people could pray about.

• You can pray for things that affect you as a person, but don't go against others.  For instance, you could pray that you have patience with your team. You could pray that you don't get discouraged. You could pray that you don't get injured.
• You can pray for the welfare of everyone involved.  Pray that everyone stays healthy and hydrated. Pray that people stay in good spirits. Pray that no one drowns or starves to death.
• You can pray about all the stuff you usually pray about, unless it involves stuff like God killing your enemies and stuff. I seem to recall there are verses against that.

The thing is, when you go on a reality show and open the door to the fact that you've been cast as The Christian, keep in mind that if you are playing the God card on the game, you need to represent what you're talking about.  Truly study what the Bible says about how you should behave when speaking as someone who is a follower of Christ. Talk to people you hold are representatives of how followers of the faith should conduct themselves.

However, don't be surprised if a lot of people advice you to not, as a Christian, go on a reality show or other such competitions. Jesus said he would provide for you. I don't think he meant he would be doing so after you made six people cry on Top Model.

But if you insist, remember that others will be watching you.  Always keep in mind that you may end up being what people see in their heads when they hear the word "Christian." How will that play out? Are you going to be remembered as someone who was kind and loving, helpful and peaceful?

Or will you be one of the many Christians No One Likes? Someone who spends their whole season on the show braying about how pious they are, all the while condemning others and asking God to dash their hopes and dreams.  Do you want to be someone people enjoy watching or do you want to be the person that people mute when they start talking, all the while wishing "that asshole would just get voted off?"