I know I wasn’t the only one shocked when Kanye West came out publicly declaring his newfound Christian faith, and if I’m brutally honest, upon first hearing the news I responded with a raised eyebrow. I mean, when someone has a prior reputation that doesn’t exactly mirror what the Bible teaches, you kinda wonder. When their life wasn’t previously known for being Christ-like, you have your doubts. But then I remembered I had a past too. If paparazzi had blasted photos of my prior escapades across the glossy pages of gossip mags, you wouldn’t put an iota of stock into any word I wrote here. My past would define me; not the God who had saved me. To the world, anyway.
I then realized the only difference between me and Kanye (other than he raps and I write) was our sphere of influence. And maybe that my past was more sordid. Regardless of who was the bigger sinner, our main distinction came in the fact that Mr. West was a huge celebrity, whereas I had 2,100 people subscribed to my email list. So, while everyone was questioning his conversion, no one had really noticed mine ten years ago.
The fact was, though, that I wasn’t alone in my initial doubt of Kanye finding Jesus. Most people were shocked and skeptical, but while we were busy questioning a man’s motives, he was busy proclaiming the gospel. And while we were carrying out God’s role alone of judgement, Kanye was letting his light shine, no matter the cost.
See, here’s what all the questioning Christians are missing. While we’re busying ourselves with condemning a man who only God can truly see, we’re missing out on the important business. Mr. West, though, is not. He seems to be the only one focused on Kingdom purposes concerning His salvation. The Christian world is questioning his sincerity, but Kanye is questioning his fellow man’s eternity.
I discovered a couple of years ago that we are all on the mission field, no matter who you are. As a nurse I’ve cried with a clinically depressed man after a failed suicide attempt, and I’ve also told a drug addict it’s not too late for her. I’ve set up a safe escape plan for a sex trafficked woman, and I’ve supported too many people to count through their grief. So while I’ve clinically saved physical lives in my job, I’ve also spiritually saved more than my fair share. I have been the only light of a Christ someone has known, and the first loving care they’ve experienced in years. I’ve cared for the homeless without disdain, for the HIV patient without judgement, and the criminal with as much compassion as I would any VIP. In fact, my only regret is that it took me so long to realize the ministry God was placing before me each and every day.
I guess the question is, how many of us are raising an eyebrow as Kanye talks about Christ, yet we don’t mention the Lord in public at all? How many of us are calling him a fake, but we can’t even call the people around us who need help a friend? How many of us are focused on watching to see if Kanye will fall, but we ourselves are slipping? How many of us look at him with skepticism, but meanwhile we remain silent for Jesus out of fear?
You know what? I have no idea if Kanye West is sincere in his faith. I have an idea, based on his countenance and things he’s said, but I don’t really know. You see, it’s not really my concern; that’s between him and God. But here’s what I do need to be concerned about. My. Own. Actions.
Do you want to know what Christians are missing about Kanye West?
His testimony.
He exists in the public eye. His fortune has been made far away from the church. He has a lot to lose, according to the world, and he knows it more than most. Even in his lyrics of his new album he mentions that his record won’t be bought because he’s singing about Jesus. A large number of his fanbase will fall away, and he doesn’t care. He’s focused on the ones who will stay, the ones who will listen, and the ones who will come to know Christ through his conversion.
Meanwhile, you have Sally, the every Sunday church-goer afraid to mention she’s a Christian at work. You have children of God who are saying nothing about their Father. They’re taking their blessing and holding it close, sharing it with no one. The sad part is most of these people are like me, out of the spotlight and public eye, with little to lose for proclaiming God’s goodness, yet they’re still choosing to go about their life like spreading the gospel doesn’t matter. Meanwhile Kanye is doing nothing but talking about God’s glory.
Do you want to know what Christians are really missing concerning Kanye West?
They are missing the harvest. Like the Bible tells us, the harvest is ready, ripe for the picking, but the workers are few. Y’all, we don’t have to be pastors to talk about Jesus. You can talk about Jesus as a nurse, stay-at-home mom, bank teller, or famous rapper! You don’t have to be at church or on a foreign mission field to lead people to Christ. You can do it at work, school, at a restaurant, or in the public spotlight. The very judgmental and unforgiving public spotlight.
So instead of wondering if Kanye is sincere, or betting on his “fall from grace,” let’s focus on how we can be more like him. Let’s throw caution to the wind, turn from the world, let go of the comfortable, step out into the unknown, led by faith, and tell people how good God is. Shout it from the rooftops. Since we’re not on TV and radio, shouting jubilantly might be necessary. Lol. What I’m saying is, let’s not look at what Kanye may not be doing and celebrate what he is doing. He’s testifying to how God changed his life. He’s telling everyone!
Really, the only thing we need to think about Kanye West is to let him serve as a reminder to us of this question. When is the last time we told someone (much less everyone) what God has done for us?
Julia Monroe says
Jesus’ biggest critics were the religious. In fact, they couldn’t stand Jesus. Back in the 70’s a big name in entertainment became a Christian and immediately they were embraced by the Christian community. But very soon after that, the big name was flayed by the religious and so that big name went quiet about their new faith. It’s been that way for thousands of years I’m sure. I love what you said, Brieann. There will always be critics. There are many parts to the body of believers and every one has their own story, their own testimony, their own light in dark places where we aren’t there.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. And I agree with you. That’s why I’ve always preferred relationship over religion. ☺️
Thirza Peevey says
So many people seem to miss the part about there being no one who is good, and all of us are wicked sinners. Not one of us comes to Christ in better shape than Kanye, and if we think we are, then it is our salvation that is in doubt and not his.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Absolutely!
Monica says
listen to his album. my son played it for me while he was driving practice. very good, nice change to the usual the boy listens to. and son enjoyed the album so it just may reach those that need the influence and push to follow.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
So awesome ?
Dorothy Jacobs says
With no disrespect intended, I have to say that my reaction to Kanye’s journey to testimony is just one of utter amusement. Kanye’s discovery, his path & most importantly any evolution of his relationship with God is his, not mine.
Regardless of where he’s been or where he’s going in the world, celebrity or not, he is my brother. Like my mother said (even though I never fully figured out all the rationale behind that particular Momism) “You can pick your friends but you can’t pick your family.” So, in the Christian sense, in my circle, Kanye’s supposed to be family, however extended that branch of the family tree may be & regardless of anybody’s current political leanings.
So, I’m ok with saying “You go, my brother. And Godspeed to you, dude. I hope you stay.”
But seriously, I stand in awe of how Our Savior works. In total awe for sure & always but sometimes (like this time) I stand with a big big smile on my face. Because He’s got this. He always does. However people fall into His arms, it’s all good. He’s going to catch them. He’s been waiting on them. No matter who they are or how they come to Him, through a window opened by a celebrity or not. He meets us all where we are & as we are. Of that I’m certain.
And it amuses me to no end sometimes just how much Our Father rocks. He is so powerful & so wise. And sometimes we just don’t see Him coming. And that makes me smile.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Yes, He does. I am smiling with you.
Terry says
“I’ve also spiritually saved more than my fair share.” Brie, only Christ can save anyone. I know you mean well here but we are only the messenger. I do appreciate the fact that you are His bold witness. God bless.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
You are absolutely correct. Thank you for correcting my wording. It wasn’t meant as I, but rather Christ in me. I am nothing without Him, and this I know in the deepest part of my being. Thanks again.