Transformed.

(My attempt at blogging: Take 2)

I am looking forward to my classes this semester. The line-up of authors and concepts I will be studying actually excites me, though it might intimidate me a bit (reading Milton and Donne isn't exactly a piece of cake), but I am overall optimistic. I'll wrap up my first post by sharing what I thought much about after my Mass Communication class yesterday.

We had been discussing the various ways media has influenced people over time (ranging from radio, print, social networking, and Hollywood). We then watched a documentary about Trekkies, those whose are either convinced it is their life calling to live out the characters and 'legacies' from Star Trek, and a few less extreme fans who just attend conventions all year long to show their appreciation. After the documentary, we continued our discussion, and I'll admit, I was mostly just joking with a friend about how ridiculous the extreme fans were, and laughing about how pathetic it was they spend their lives chasing after characters and concepts of a show that was made up in a random director's mind. Just as I was doing so, another classmate pointed out this same sad fact, but instead of laughing, made a wonderful point.

The Trekkies I saw in the documentary are attempting to worship the show, it's as simple as that. They are giving their money, time, thoughts, and talents to put everything they have and can do towards one thing. They have the dedication and 'extreme' lifestyle right, but tragically fail at directing it towards the One deserving of all these things. My professor reminded us that we are blessed to see this and have the opportunity to serve God, in spite of our own daily failure to do so. God's grace and mercy is an incredible gift.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

We were made to worship our wonderful Creator. What an amazing reminder and challenge as I continue to live in a world filled with so many people, shows and gadgets begging (and completely undeserving) to receive my praise.