Parables and TV shows

I was able to apply a parable from the Bible to a TV show...let me first give some background:

Today in one of our church meetings we discussed Elder Holland's talk from General Conference.  You can read it HERE.  I loved it when I first heard it and I really enjoyed hearing other people's perspectives on it today during Relief Society.  If you didn't hear it or you're not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...read it!  It was really good and was about a parable found in Matthew 20.  A quick summary is that some people were hired at different times of the day to work in a vineyard.  So some worked all day, others a short little while, but they all got paid the same amount in the end.  They all had initially agreed to their wages, but when those who worked all day realized that the others were getting the same amount...it just didn't seem fair to them, even though they still received a generous amount.  So....to sum up what Elder Holland says about it, here are some quotes:

"This is a story about God's goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonment of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is a story about generosity and compassion.  It is a story about grace." 

"Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?"

"We are not diminished when someone else is added upon"

"Coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image.  So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind.  It is a happy way to live."

"The thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don't expect it and often feel they don't deserve it."

The talked is full of more quotes just as wonderful as these, but these few are the ones that lead to my point.

Now, I hope no one thinks I'm disrespectful to Elder Holland's talk by this, but I thought it was an interesting application.  So, laugh if you want to, but please know that I'm not really obsessed with the Biggest Loser show, I just enjoy watching it every week, and we can apply Elder Holland's words to last week's episode.  For those of you who don't know, this last week the final 5 got all worked up because the producers decided to have a challenge where one of the eliminated players could win a spot in the finals (Hooray!) It even warns them in the contract they signed that it would be happening.

Well, they get all worked up and threaten to leave the show because "it's just not right and not fair."  They are the ones who have been working SO hard at the BL ranch, not everyone else. The others don't deserve a chance to be in the finals and win.  :)  Doesn't it fit this parable well?  Anyways, 3 decide to stay and 2 leave to go home saying that they don't want to but they have to stand up for what's right.  Here's the funny part, the 2 that left are Pastors.  That makes me giggle a little, maybe I ought to send them a little note to read Matthew chapter 20.

In all seriousness, I really liked the 2 that left; I was hoping they'd be in the finals.  I was completely bummed they left.  I do think it was a bit selfish and foolish of them to leave when the show is supposed to inspire viewers to lose weight at home not on a ranch (which is why they let someone come back.)  But oh well.  I wish those 2 luck in life.

And in all seriousness again, I really enjoyed Elder Holland's talk.  It's definitely something that I can apply to my own life and not just the silly reality tv show life. Elder Holland is a powerful speaker, as are all the Apostles, and it's because they truly are speaking the Lord's words.  I am grateful for them and for the specific instructions they give us so we can better follow the teachings of the Savior.