Let me give you some names and see if you know who they are? Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, David Cook, Kris Allen. Have you ever heard of them? If you are a die-hard American Idol fan, you know that these were some of the winners from the show. You've probably heard of Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jordan Sparks - they won and have done pretty well for themselves. No one really knows yet how well Lee DeWyze - this year's winner - will do, but even though these winners are still making music, just because you win American Idol doesn't mean you will be a big star.
In fact, some of the ones who didn't win have done pretty well. Chris Daughtry has done really well and he finished 4th in his season. Adam Lambert, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Elliott Yamin, Katherine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, David Archuleta, & Danny Gokey have all made a name for themselves in different circles. Some of you might have heard of Mandissa and Phil Stacy who have become well-known in Christian music. An argument could be made that some of these people who didn't win have become more successful than the ones who did win.
Let me ask you another question. I read about a man named Rings, a chain-smoking, ex-addict, ex- convict who lives out of his pickup truck, and when he receives his monthly check, he goes to the store, buys food, and takes it in coolers down to the beach to feed his fellow homeless people because of what Christ has done for him. He doesn't have a home. He doesn't have money, and when he gets money, he gives it away. Is he successful? Is he winning?
Right now, God, through Francis Chan, and many other people is rocking my world. I'm afraid that we as Christians have defined success no differently than the world - make lots of money, have security in your job or career, have a roof over your head, a steady paycheck, food on your table. That is success! Or is it?
How is success defined in your life? Do you have to win the way the world defines winning to be successful? Or through the power of Christ in you, could you be just as successful in the things that really matter even though it appears you're not winning?
