All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2Corinthians 5: 18-21 (NIV)
Christian recording artist Natalie Grant took to social media yesterday to clear the air regarding her early departure from the Grammys Sunday night. It seems that some over zealous Christians made some insinuations that were not true and the result was an un-Christian back and forth with insults and degrading conversations. Grant in her correction wanted the following to be known:
1) She never said she left during any particular performance, only said she left early.
2) She never pointed out any one particular performance, only said she had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside her head and that is where they will stay.
3) She loves singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus but she judged no one and hates no one.
4) She won't use her platform to engage in political arguments that will only divide and not unite.
She then finished by quoting Romans - "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God who brings salvation to ALL who believe." The response from the Christian community was overwhelmingly gushing with pride at her post and all I can say is - why?
With all due respect, do not quote that you are unashamed of the Gospel after you just refused to stand for it. For the record, if she was misquoted and if people used those misquotes to engage in poor behavior she should have corrected the record; that is not the issue. What is at issue is the Grammys themselves. Clearly she agrees that there were problems with the overall show but she refused to take the Christian stand against it. Realize we are not talking about an indiscretion here or there. The Grammys were one big collective middle finger extended directly to God. The opening act was Beyonce and Jay Z singing "Drunk in Love" in bondage attire, sexual lyrics and bleeps all over the place. Secular folks were saying it was over the top. Katy Perry's number was simply satanic, period. Demonic imagery from start to the finish where Perry is made to appear burning in fire. Then there was the mass gay wedding staged right in the middle of another act and other performances that were so raunchy they had to be practically completely bleeped out.
To this Natalie Grant wanted to make sure that the academy knew how much she appreciated them still recognizing gospel music. Really??? Who cares at that point? Who cares if the academy gives out a trophy for gospel after displaying for three hours how much contempt they have for the Gospel?
We need to stop misusing the terms judge and hate. It is not judgment to say that you stand for something. To say that you believe in the Gospel. It is not hate to say you disagree with the declining morality in this world. You do not have to hurl insults to state your convictions. The world may react as if mere disagreement is hate but that does not make it so in reality. Grant said that she will not use her platform to engage in political arguments but that is so far off the mark. Discussing your faith and what you believe in is not political. Christ belongs to neither party. She claims that doing so would not cause unity. Exactly what are you trying to be united with?
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. - Ephesians 5: 8-12 (NIV)
The shameful Sunday night was not only not in secret but it was broadcast to the whole world! If they want to thumb their nose at God that is understandable because the things of God are still foolishness to them. Believers however are supposed to present something different. We are not supposed to be united with the world beloved. We are supposed to show them Christ. Not this sappy feminized Christ that sings kumbya and never has a stern word.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn --a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' - Matthew 10: 34-36 (NIV)
Even the Romans verse Grant quoted is about making sure you share the Gospel! What a great opportunity to discuss the debauchery that passed for entertainment at the Grammys. Do you think that everyone who watched agreed with the proceedings? Of course not. On one side they had the Queen Latifahs and Katy Perrys of the world supporting evil and on the other side they could have had Natalie Grant saying what sayeth the Lord. Instead they have her thanking the academy for allowing an award for gospel music. Another Christian nominee, Mandisa also did not attend. In her poignant explanation she at least acknowledged that as a Christian she is supposed to be different! Hallelujah!
Read the key verses and realize that all of us, including Natalie Grant are supposed to be Christ's ambassadors. Not of some worldly interpretation of love but rather so that the unsaved can be reconciled to God. Dear Lord have we forgotten what the Gospel is? The Grammys taught us how far gone society is and how lost the world is. They do not need niceties and platitudes from would be Christian stars who claim to not be ashamed of the Gospel after refusing to stand for it.
Please, I am not suggesting that Grant had to be confrontational, angry or devoid of love. What we need to realize is that love is not uniformity. Love is not accepting everything. Based upon what we believe, those separated from God are going to spend an eternity in hell. How in the world is it showing love to not care about that? To be Christ's ambassadors and implore them to be reconciled to Christ while there is still time? Grant could have said that Katy Perry's number was demonic without being accused of being unloving. I am sure Katy knew it. Grant could have taken a Christian stand and said that the event was too excessive in its immorality. It certainly would have been true. Would some in the world deride her for doing so? Sure; but no more than they probably already deride her for merely believing in God.
Time is running out. With each passing day the world fades further into darkness. Christians need to be able to provide an alternative for those who are equally uncomfortable with what they see in the world and need God desperately. We are ambassadors for Christ - not protectors of the Academy. Natalie Grant should have known better.
Rev. Anthony.
