Is That Your Final Answer?

USGN article
by Terry Franklin
March 2000

The new "Millionaire" shows seem to be a hit on the television networks. The popular "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!", hosted by Regis Philban, has almost single-handedly brought the ABC network back to life. Everyone seems to love these shows. But not me. So, before ABC calls me to ask for my insightful analysis (smile) here's my two-cents worth.

I wonder, does the following bother you...? Let's say Regis asks a question like this, "Tom, 2 plus 2 equals: A.) 6 B.)14 C.) 4 D.) 517?" The contestant looks blankly at his dress shoes and then begins to mutter something like this, "Well, Regis, when I was a boy growing up in the foothills of western Texas, I had a school teacher named Mrs. Thomas who would do math flash cards with me every day. Amazingly she had time to do this while caring for her disabled husband..." It's at this point that I jump to my feet and yell at the television "Stop the patter!!!" Why do these folks have to give us a long narrative after each question? Just answer the question. Of course, if I was answering the $250,000 or higher question, I might pause just a bit myself. I probably wouldn't make it past the first 3 questions...but at least I'd do it FAST!

The other thing that irks me is that line, "Is that your final answer?" When the guy looks into Regis' scientifically-improved face and says, "The answer is C - - 4", we, as the audience, have a pretty good idea that that's his answer.

I guess the truth is, real life isn't actually like "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire!" Everyday's not filled with a mood inducing musical soundtrack to accentuate life's "moments"; there aren't many "softball" questions thrown at us (we're playing hardball everyday), and we don't get a lot of second chances to re-think our answers.

With certainty we can be assured that on the day we pass from this life to the next we will not be given a second chance to answer for what we did with God's Son, Jesus Christ. The Father will not be asking, regarding our relationship with Jesus, "Is that your final answer?..."

Life is not a game. But the good news is... you can be a millionaire and never be on a game show! He might bless with money, but sometimes He blesses us with things that even money can't buy.

Previous Article | Next Article | All Articles

©2000 Terry & Barbi Franklin.