Linda and I have been watching American Idol this season, the eighth.

There are two locals on the show, one from Jasper and one from Lufkin.

In case you don’t know, the show is about finding a singer and giving them a recording contract.

A panel of judges and voting by the viewers makes decisions.

One of the judges, Simon Cowell, is brutally honest with the contestants to the point that he sounds mean and unfeeling but he is uncannily correct most of the time.

But instead of saying, “I think you need to work on your pitch”, he will tell someone, “That’s the worst performance I’ve heard and in my opinion you have no chance to win this competition.”

The audience will boo and hiss at his statements.

I can’t help but admire his frankness with them.

He doesn’t beat around the bush.

He doesn’t sugarcoat his review.

If you’re good he will tell you and if you’re bad he will tell you.

Understand that our Lord is as up front and frank as Simon.

He will judge everyone as it says; we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Cor 5:10

There is no sugarcoating or patting on the head with a hearty, “you can do better next time.”

It is written that those that have chosen not to receive Jesus as Savior are condemned by their own actions.

Brutally and honestly He will say, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:27

Simon judging can’t even compare to that of our Lord.