I tape American Idol each week so I can fast forward the commercials. I have watched this show for several years now because it helps pass the winter months along. I watched the first few episodes of this season and seriously considered skipping the whole thing. But now, I’m glad I stuck with it. I like Curtis Finch Jr. and I plan on sending him some votes this season! Curtis is a gospel singer and a worship leader from St. Louis. There is no doubt that the guy can SING! But that isn’t the only reason I am impressed with him.
Keith Urban, one of this year’s judges said, he “oozes goodness and light.” Nikki Minaj said that he had a calling and that he needed to keep singing because he brought hope, and the world needed to hear his message. (I don’t know that much about Nikki Minaj but, to be honest, I was surprised she noticed that!) Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey had similar praise. I am going to vote for Curtis Finch Jr. because I want the world to keep noticing the fact there is something different about him and something powerful in him. I want the world to realize that what they are seeing in this young man is the presence and power of God. I think he “oozes goodness and light” too. I think he oozes Jesus – and I’m hoping Christians will notice and choose to do the same. When does a Christian “ooze Jesus?”
St. Francis of Assisi is credited as having said, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” I’ve often said that our lives are the loudest sermons we will ever preach. I prefer to think of witnessing as living my faith out loud. I’m glad I was taught the verses of The Romans Road and some different ways I might be able to share them with someone who wanted to know more about Christ. But, in all my years as a Christian, I can’t think of a single time someone asked me to explain the Romans Road to them. On the other hand, I have had people comment on my joy, my family and other things they have seen in my life. And I have had some of them ask me the “key” to my happiness or the reason for my smile. Jesus told his disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The disciples knew how to tell the gospel story, but they also knew how to preach it with their lives, their faces and their attitudes. When was the last time your face preached Jesus to the room or your smile made people think of God? Does your face preach the gospel?
Curtis Finch’s face and spirit sure did! I watched him perform “I Believe I Can Fly” on American Idol. He changed the lyrics to include God’s name and God honored his choice! The audience, the judges and a lot of us at home “felt” his song and experienced his faith. When he finished singing and the judges raved, moved by what they had seen, I thought, “that is what Jesus meant when he said to preach the gospel!”
Curtis has been gifted by God to sing, and he uses his gift to bring God glory. What is your spiritual gift? If you are a Christian, you have been given a gift, or gifts, by the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual gift is the continued earthly ministry of Jesus Christ – through you. When Jesus is able to minister through you – you have been his witness.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Watch Curtis’ performance and listen to the judges reviews. Matthew 5:16 was illustrated on American Idol. Who knew??? Let’s all follow Curtis Finch’s very good example and let our light shine today as well.
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