Self-Destructing

Veterans Day gives us a cause to reflect on the people who have served in our military, the sacrifices they have made, and the bravery they have shown. They have contributed significantly to this great nation. But, the freedoms we have been given - in civic matters, as well as spiritual - should not give us an occasion to behave inappropriately. Romans 14 states:
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.
16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Freedom is tempered by love.  Believers in Christ are called to self-discipline.  We should be so devoted to Christ that we allow His Spirit to control our actions and to govern how we think and how we speak. We can have our eyes open to our sinful tendencies, and shore those areas up through careful application of the Scriptures and prayer.  All of us can fall prey to self-destructive actions, and we have to walk with the self-awareness through the Spirit who convicts us and enables us to see ourselves and to make necessary correction.

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We have freedom in Christ, and the Bible teaches about using our freedom wisely in accordance with His teachings. Paul writes in Galatians 5:
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

On this Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in our armed forces, who have been willing to devote their lives to strengthen our nation and to preserve our freedoms.  We are grateful for our First Amendment guarantees, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

But, just because we are free to speak or act in a certain manner doesn't mean that it is the wisest thing to do. 

In the entertainment culture, there are numerous people of influence who are unfortunately "discipling" the fans who choose to follow them, and in many cases, it has a devastating effect.  In the Christian sphere, it does seem that throughout the years, we have embraced people who talk about Jesus, but then do something or somethings that make us scratch our head, even wonder, how we could be deceived.

For instance, just within the last month, there was no doubt jubilation when a certain pop music icon, who has professed a Christian conversion, even to the extent of holding Sunday services peppered with "A-list" celebrities, who made a strong pro-life declaration in an interview with Tucker Carlson.  The New York Post said:

Kanye West slammed New York City’s abortion rights Thursday — expressing concern about the number of “black babies being aborted” in the Big Apple.

The rapper and fashion designer, 45, declared he is “pro-life” in a sit-down with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson as he wore a photograph of a baby’s ultrasound around his neck.

“It’s a photograph of a baby’s ultrasound,” West told the host about the image on a lanyard he was still wearing from Monday’s Yeezy fashion show in Paris.

“You designed that. Why? What does that mean?” Carlson pushed the “Gold Digger” rapper, who now legally goes by the first name Ye.

“It just represents life. I’m pro-life,” West explained.

Also, in the interview, Ye said, "...I perform for an audience of one and that is God."

That was published October 7. Three weeks later, The Christian Post reported:

A private Southern California Christian school launched by Kanye West is reportedly closing for the school year as the rapper has drawn much scrutiny for anti-Semitic remarks that Jewish advocacy organizations warn have been embraced by extremist groups.

In an email obtained by ESPN Thursday, Donda Academy principal Jason Angell said the decision to close came from West but assured the school would reopen in September 2023 and "begin afresh."

The article points out:

The rapper, who appeared to liken himself to Moses after launching the academy earlier this year, has received criticism in recent weeks for anti-Semitic statements he's made in interviews and on social media.

The remarks have prompted various brands to sever ties with West, who legally changed his name to "Ye." Additionally, Jewish advocacy groups have raised concerns about how known anti-Semitic groups have glorified West's comments.

Earlier this month, West shared a screenshot of a text with rapper Diddy on Instagram, saying he would use him "as an example to show the Jewish people that told you to call me that no one can threaten or influence me."

In a now-deleted Oct. 8 tweet, West declared: "I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE."

Ye found himself banned from Instagram and Twitter, JP Morgan sent him looking for a new bank, and Adidas cut off a profitable endorsement deal.  CBN.com reports that Kanye has apologized, but the damage is done. 

Words matter. While we may disagree with others on issues, viewpoints, and life choices, it crosses a line when we defame and criticize people for immutable characteristics or because they belong to a certain group.  Especially when that group happens to be God's chosen people, a people about whom His plan has not changed.  While we find some being cancelled for their religious views, which is of concern, you could say it is justifiable for a company not to fund a spokesperson who uses inflammatory language.  I would contend that Ye is not a victim of cancel culture, rather a victim of his own carelessness. 

I am certainly not placing myself in a position to judge Kanye West's walk with the Lord.  But, I think we all could stand to consider the consequences of this cautionary tale.  We have to be so careful with our words, so that we do not participate in self-destructive speech and action that can be harmful to not only ourselves, but also the cause of Christ.  There is a difference between standing on truth consistent with Scripture and lambasting other people-groups simply because of their heritage.  We are right to call out sinful behavior, but we have to be so careful not to call out someone for his or her racial or cultural background.   Christ came for all, He died for all, and we can be mindful that we serve the Savior who died for the whole world.