If you and I were talking over a cup of coffee right now, we could probably name all sorts of pop culture obsessions that have captured our attention over the last few years. Dabbing. The ice-bucket challenge. Memes. There’s no way to make an exhaustive list, of course, but if you’ve ever noticed how something like a dance craze can result in hundreds of thousands of YouTube videos, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
America, you are something else.
And listen. I have not been immune to pop culture’s influence. A year or so ago our family was hanging out with friends before a high school football game, and after watching everybody’s kids try to flip water bottles—a big trend at the time—for the better part of a half hour, I decided I wanted in on the fun. It took approximately four seconds for me to realize that I don’t have the necessary skills for water bottle flipping, but even still, I was determined. So I flipped and flipped and flipped—unsuccessful each time—until finally, I experienced some clarity: I am a woman in my forties. I am flipping water bottles at a high school football game. I might want to grab hold of the reins.
But sometimes that’s how we operate, isn’t it? No matter how old (or young) we are, we can find ourselves obsessing over something that ultimately matters very little in the grand scheme of things. And while that particular night I happened to be honed in on some 8-inch tall plastic bottles, I’ve been thinking about other, more serious things that can needlessly preoccupy our thoughts and our time. I mean, sure, there are the standard diversions—TV, social media, celebrity news, the app of the moment—but I think it’s good to ask ourselves if we’re “obsessing” in ways that take our focus off of what—and Who—really matters. Here are a few:
- the latest gossip
- other people’s opinions of you
- money and possessions
- being seen with the “right” people
- being noticed by a certain person
When we find ourselves caught in a cycle of being preoccupied by stuff we know shouldn’t matter to us—but for some reason it does—it’s always a good idea to place that thing (whatever it might be) under the light of Scripture. What that means is that instead of rehashing gossip, we remind ourselves of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Instead of worrying about what other people think or what they have, we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ—loved, sealed, and secure—and the riches we have as a result of our lives with Him. Instead of strategizing to be seen with or noticed by certain people, we remind ourselves of the joy of being fully known and fully accepted by a loving, holy God.
And listen. Flip water bottles all you want. Embrace the latest viral dance craze. Laugh your head off at the latest meme. There’s something to be said for enjoying certain trends that have grabbed hold of the culture. But when you know you’re “obsessing” over things that are considerably less carefree—things that come after your joy—talk to someone you trust. Pray for perspective. And let the gospel be your guide.
1. What’s your favorite pop culture craze right now? Why do you think you enjoy it?
2. On a more serious note, is there anything that tends to “get a hold of you” in your thought life? Anything that you “obsess” or worry about pretty regularly?
3. If you were to take that thing and place it in the light of Scripture, what would it look like? How would your perspective shift?
4. Look at Colossians 3:2 again. Write it down here.
Today’s Prayer