Celebrity Faith, Whitney Houston, Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin
Celebrity Faith, Whitney Houston, Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin
Over the weekend some of us tuned into the funeral service of one of music’s greatest modern icons, Whitney Houston. I remember Whitney Houston for her amazing singing voice. Who could forget those awkward stages of growing up in the 80′s and 90′s? Our junior high dances would include songs like “How Will I Know”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and the famous “I Will Always Love You.” Somehow Whitney and her music made it all fun, smooth and entertaining. But, according to the news media this past weekend, there seemed to be a side of Whitney Houston that most of us never saw, her faith.
In contrast, we’ve had several athletes in the news recently expressing a boldness of witness to their faith in Jesus Christ, even going beyond the profession of faith in God. We see them praying, preaching and giving glory to God for their talents and achievements. Guys like the infamous Tebow and more recently basketball star, Jeremy Lin.
I have to admit in my opinion there is something ummm…say shallow, about celebrities professing their faith. I kind of classify them in the same category of politicians who share their faith. Being in the public eye is no easy thing. Lots of things get lost when you become a celebrity. Privacy is lost, you can’t walk around like a normal person anymore because people recognize you and not to mention your life is put under a media microscope. So why anyone would WANT to become a celebrity is a mystery. I suppose the fame, money and attention outweighs the importance of family, close knit relationships and simple living.
The reality of celebrity status is that there is no way for us in the public to truly evaluate the genuineness of a megastar’s walk with Christ. Similar to listening to a politician make promise after promise in order to gain a popular vote. There is no way to know if that politician really means what he or she says. We can just evaluate the track record and see what the person has done over time. I don’t doubt the sincerity of anyone who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. After all, who am I to judge what is really inside a person’s heart. However, we can, and are called to, judge a tree by its fruit. A celebrity who professes to be a follower of Jesus should simply, sincerely, act like one. That’s all we ask. I think that’s all anyone asks. The world is looking for Christians to own up to being hopeless, broken sinners who have found abundant life in giving up success in exchange for the person who defines success..Jesus. The world doesn’t care about your profession of Christ, I believe they genuinely want to see a REAL follower. Someone who tries to live just like the only one in this world worth living for.
What are your thoughts on celebrities who express their faith? Are you inspired? Do you question their sincerity? I welcome your comments below.
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