What’s the big idea
I have a young friend in our preschool named CJ. He is a sweet kid with an easy smile and a joyful demeanor. He loves to read, color, and play with blocks. He also has a game he likes to play with the pastor.
One day last year he snuck up behind me during the before-care program. He tapped me on the shoulder and then hid behind my chair when I turned around. Apparently, it’s a load of fun fooling Pastor Bart. As I called his name and said things like “where did he go?” CJ would laugh hysterically before tapping me again and then hiding behind the chair. I believe this kid could play that game all day long.
When he finally came out from behind the chair I said, “Hey, what’s the big idea?” The phrase stuck in his little mind and became a part of his daily communication. Now, whenever he sees me, he says, “What’s the big idea?” It’s adorable!
That phrase, “What’s the big idea?” became a part of my vocabulary many years ago. So long ago, in fact, that I couldn’t remember where I heard it. The other day I looked up the phrase to see if I could find its origin.
I discovered it was a catchphrase that came into use in the early part of the 20th century. According to the internet, it was used to convey a sense of annoyance with those given to tomfoolery.
As I read about the phrase, I discovered where I must have heard it. It was commonly used by The Three Stooges and Daffy Duck, some of the great theologians of the 20th century. Mickey runs into Donald, Moe runs into Curley, Curley runs into Larry, and the common response is “What’s the big idea?” It’s another way of saying, “What do you think you’re doing?”
I wonder if God ever uses those words when he looks at his church. When we are a member of a local congregation but are absent for months at a time. When we have plenty to say about how the money is spent, but never give any of our own. When we approach church ministries with a “Meh, good enough,” mentality, instead of bringing excellence to the table. When things don’t go to suit us, so we abandon our church and join one that better “meets our needs.” When we complain about the demolition of a building that we haven’t set foot in for 40 years. When we are “too tired” to worship but have plenty of energy to go to the local casino. And most of all, when our relationship with Christ is superficial, instead of the central theme of our lives.
Hey church! What’s the big idea?
