Joe McElderry may have been the most successful entrant, and Jedward without a doubt had the worst hair styles, but they are just a few of the thousands who have tried to make it big on "X Factor".

There's no lack of talent out there. Often star quality is on display as people brave the scorn and sneers of the judges to show off their abilities in the hope of becoming the next big thing.

When it comes to choosing His stars Jesus seemed less sharp than Simon Cowell. His original followers were a ragged crowd - illiterate bumpkins mainly. Life's rejects; the wrong sort of people. Jesus didn't demand they become all "squeaky clean and show biz" either.

Rather than "X Factor", Jesus spoke about the "cross factor": "Anyone who wants to follow Me has to pick up their cross every day."

In those days when someone picked up a cross it's because they were going to be nailed to it. It's hard, in other words, to be His follower. It is not going to win you any awards or sell you a million albums. It does not guarantee success, worldwide fame and an easy life. It might mean rejection from those you love. It certainly does mean an end to selfishness.

Sound impossible? In a way, it is. But Jesus promised that He would be present with His disciples, invisibly but powerfully, to help them.

Ready to try something truly difficult? "Come" says Jesus - "follow Me."

"Brotherhood love" lived out in real life is what meets our deepest need and heals our hurting hearts.

See also: Culture Vulture: Gadgets, gizmos and god-tech
Culture Vulture: Gonna get myself connected
Culture Vulture: Undying love

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