KANYE
I recently posted a public comment about a political issue and was called a troll and a boba not by the opposing side but by people from the same side. The name-callers failed to understand my words that any sixth grader would get. Oh, don’t worry about me. I was not affected, just amused. Reminds me of what has been happening to Kanye West who has publicly confessed to being a born-again Christian.
Usually, I wince when I hear celebrities making a very public declaration two seconds after their conversion because they will be thrusted in the “pulpit” spotlight sooner than they should be, with unrealistic stratospheric expectations. But like a plot twist, the opposite seems to be happening with Kanye where the welcome mat laid out for him was made from strips of skepticism, mockery, and accusations.
I am not a fan but being a follower of news where he appears more than sporadically ever since he burst on the scene, I know what his public persona is and how big it is. Usually, when celebrities of his stature “find God,” it’s when the spotlight has dimmed. But in his case, he is still Kanye West. The last time the Christian community had a conversion of a still successful celebrity, it was…it was…I don’t even remember if it’s ever happened in my lifetime so I was a bit perplexed about the antagonism being leveled towards him by believers.
Some think it’s phony and just a publicity stunt for someone who has never had the reputation of being shy and humble. But who are we to say which conversion is authentic? I have yet to see an altar call where the pastor or church leaders have stopped someone from coming to the front because it seems phony. We have always welcomed everyone who professes even though we never see them do anything to back up their profession afterwards. And yet, here we have Kanye doing what every pastor would love his congregation to be doing---publicly declaring his new faith, reading the Bible including Leviticus, sharing the gospel, ministering to inmates, and making people talk about Christ. And unless I am mistaken, all this occurred this year alone. How many believers do you know who have been coming to church for years without a Bible, without anyone knowing they’re Christians, and have many excuses not to do ministry? Maybe we’re one of them.
And let’s say for argument’s sake, it is all for publicity, he’s bored, or it’s just a fad for Kanye, “what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Phil. 1:18, NIV). Think of the many people who have heard of the gospel because of him!
Instead of speculating, it’s better to pray that his good works will continue. It’s better that we keep ourselves busy doing good works for the Lord or perhaps realize that it’s time that our good works get started after sitting on our blessed assurance for so long.
I recently posted a public comment about a political issue and was called a troll and a boba not by the opposing side but by people from the same side. The name-callers failed to understand my words that any sixth grader would get. Oh, don’t worry about me. I was not affected, just amused. Reminds me of what has been happening to Kanye West who has publicly confessed to being a born-again Christian.
Usually, I wince when I hear celebrities making a very public declaration two seconds after their conversion because they will be thrusted in the “pulpit” spotlight sooner than they should be, with unrealistic stratospheric expectations. But like a plot twist, the opposite seems to be happening with Kanye where the welcome mat laid out for him was made from strips of skepticism, mockery, and accusations.
I am not a fan but being a follower of news where he appears more than sporadically ever since he burst on the scene, I know what his public persona is and how big it is. Usually, when celebrities of his stature “find God,” it’s when the spotlight has dimmed. But in his case, he is still Kanye West. The last time the Christian community had a conversion of a still successful celebrity, it was…it was…I don’t even remember if it’s ever happened in my lifetime so I was a bit perplexed about the antagonism being leveled towards him by believers.
Some think it’s phony and just a publicity stunt for someone who has never had the reputation of being shy and humble. But who are we to say which conversion is authentic? I have yet to see an altar call where the pastor or church leaders have stopped someone from coming to the front because it seems phony. We have always welcomed everyone who professes even though we never see them do anything to back up their profession afterwards. And yet, here we have Kanye doing what every pastor would love his congregation to be doing---publicly declaring his new faith, reading the Bible including Leviticus, sharing the gospel, ministering to inmates, and making people talk about Christ. And unless I am mistaken, all this occurred this year alone. How many believers do you know who have been coming to church for years without a Bible, without anyone knowing they’re Christians, and have many excuses not to do ministry? Maybe we’re one of them.
And let’s say for argument’s sake, it is all for publicity, he’s bored, or it’s just a fad for Kanye, “what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Phil. 1:18, NIV). Think of the many people who have heard of the gospel because of him!
Instead of speculating, it’s better to pray that his good works will continue. It’s better that we keep ourselves busy doing good works for the Lord or perhaps realize that it’s time that our good works get started after sitting on our blessed assurance for so long.