In 2002, singer Kelly Clarkson was voted the first American Idol on the Fox TV series.

Since the show made its debut in 2002, American Idol has captured the attention of people throughout the country. Millions of viewers tune in each week to watch the talent show. They vote to determine which of the contestants will remain to sing another week. Eventually contestants are whittled down to a final pair—and in 2002 Kelly Clarkson won the honor of being the first American Idol by beating out Justin Guarini.

Clarkson went from a virtual unknown to an overnight household name. Soon after winning the contest, Clarkson not only received a check for $1 million, but she also signed a recording contract, appeared on numerous TV shows, and has produced several top-selling CDs. In addition, she has become the inspiration of millions of young singers who believe they have what it takes to become the next American Idol.

As American Idol entered its fourth season, America’s obsession for this talent search remained strong. The American Idol Web site was the most-searched site on the Internet. As one entertainment watcher put it, “Americans worship the ‘Idol’.”

Whoa! Idols in modern-day America? What’s that about? Throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, God warned his people to stay away from idols—false gods that people made from stone, wood, or metal. But in reality, an idol is anything that takes our attention and our worship away from God. Your idol could be television, video games, sports, or even a person like an American Idol winner.

While none of these things are bad in and of themselves, when we spend too much time and energy devoted to that one thing, we are in danger of making that an idol in our lives.

Is there something in your life that’s threatening to become an idol?

Do not put your trust in idols or make gods of metal for yourselves. I, the Lord, am your God (Leviticus 19:4).

To Do

Survey your family and friends. Ask them to name three “idols” that could come between them and God.

Also on this day

1781—Los Angeles was founded by Spanish settlers.

1888—George Eastman registered the name Kodak and patented his roll-film camera. The camera took 100 exposures per roll.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.