cultural icons
Last night at college church, Scott had everyone text the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "icon." We had answers that ranged from Michael Jackson to Oprah. From Tiger Woods to the Beatles. From Taylor Swift to Dr. Phil. Technically, what we're talking about here are "cultural" icons. According to dictionary.com, "A cultural icon can be an image, a symbol, a logo, picture, name, face, person, or building or other image that is readily recognized...In the media, many well-known manifestations of popular culture have been described as 'iconic', with some writers saying that the word is overused." So this is really about popularity. If you're so popular that the vast majority of people instantly recognize your picture and name (in a good way!) even after you're long gone, you'll probably be labeled as a cultural icon. And now that we live in a media rich society, icons are popping up everywhere. Word spreads fast when you're really really good at something, people generally like you and you are making the news. Of course, I don't think any person, Christian or not, would argue that the most popular and original icon is Jesus...although, John Lennon did say once in an interview that the Beatles were "more popular that Jesus." John, I respectfully disagree. Believe in Him or not, Jesus stands head and shoulders above all other icons and He always will. The Beatles and Tiger and Michael Jackson will probably still be talked about 200 years from now, but Jesus will always be bigger. He was the first and He'll be the last. Our world will NEVER stop talking about Jesus. Philippians 2:10 says it this way: "God lifted [Jesus] high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father." Don't get me wrong...I don't think Jesus is really concerned at all about His iconic status. He's not checking His fan base or the latest opinion ratings survey. He existed before time, created everything out of nothing, and will always be. He's not exactly competing for popularity with the likes of Ringo Starr or Oprah.
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