Take Note Of What You Give

Last night on "Idol Gives Back" there were some very interesting performances. It truly has become a star-studded event. Among the celebrities were Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, and Robin Williams. This fundraiser over the last couple of years has raised some serious money to help with needs all over the world.

This season for American Idol has been interesting when it comes to song choices. There have been several songs performed with refrences to Jesus. Dolly Parton performed "Jesus and Gravity", the Clark Brothers performed "This Little Light of Mine", the idol contestants themselves have performed various numbers with reference to God, and last night the contestants as a group sang "Shout to the Lord". However, their performance was different from the original song.

Unless you are familiar with the song you may not have noticed the clear omission of the name of Jesus. Yes, during the last performance of the night, Jesus' name was deleted from one of the greatest praise songs of all times. The performance was safe, the vocals were o.k., the song choice was perfect, but I did not like the arrangement. Why? Because it failed to connect with the true power of the song. Shout to the Lord has been sung in many churches over the years, concerts, and conferences. It is one of those songs that is anointed of God. But last night the Anointed One was cast out.

Please understand that I always take note of Jesus' name when it occurs. This season on Idol Jesus has come up time and time again, but it's usually through the song of a guest performer. And in the closing moments of last night's fundraiser "political correctness" took over. Interesting that you can sing about a Shepherd, Comforter, Tower of Refuge, Strength, and Savior; but Jesus cannot be uttered in a song that is clearly about Him.

Don't get me wrong...I don't expect American Idol to preach the gospel. But please, please, PLEASE don't intentionally remove Him. This is why I say that the song was just o.k. and the performance was safe. It lacked the power that the original song always held. It lacked the conviction that was intended when it was written. And I'm a firm believer that it was because Jesus was taken out of the song.

You see Jesus is what separates true faith from ecuminical faith. Ecuminical faith is all inclusive - universal. Jesus is Lord. American Idol simply pandered to the policy of not offending any non-Christians in the audience. I also found it interesting that after the performance, at the end of the show, Ben Stiller came out and did some little comedy skit where they had to bleep out portions of his monologue. That's how the enemy gets our attention off of God. I guess he was afraid that even without the mention of Jesus' name the song was just too much to handle.

They wouldn't say it so I will... "My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like You!!! My Comfort, my Shelter, Tower of Refuge and Strength. Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You." Notice the difference? It's amazing what Jesus will do for a song, but even more amazing what He will do for you.

I'm grateful for Idol Gives Back. I think it's important for people in that kind of position to use their influences for the greater good of man. But take note of what you give. Make sure that you give God His rightful place in all things.