Truth in Unexpected Places

In the book of 2nd Timothy chapter 3, we find the apostle Paul calling out two individuals, stating that. they had...
(18) ...strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

We can ascertain the degree to which our lives are built on that "solid foundation," and sometimes the truth of God's Word can be proclaimed in unlikely places.  Such as the stage of a rock concert - not a Christian music concert, mind you, but a less-sanitized venue.

But, that's what happened recently when the lead singer of Creed, Scott Stapp, who has actually experienced a spiritual awakening, or re-awakening in his own life over the last several years, made a bold proclamation in the midst of the music.

The Christian Post reported: 

Creed lead singer Scott Stapp reminded audiences that the U.S. is a Christian nation “built upon the Bible and the Word of God” and urged Americans to unite in a rousing speech at a recent concert.

In a viral clip from his band’s reunion tour posted on X, Stapp paused between songs to declare the country is “a constitutional republic based upon the Bible and the Word of God.”

The article went on to say:

“Divided is exactly the way they want us to be,” he said, adding that “the powers that be” want Americans to be divided and compartmentalized “to keep us distracted from holding them accountable.”

But, what was remarkable is how Stapp related some principles upon which Americans can unite:

“The only way to make change is to wake up and come together as one. Focus on what we have in common, which is life, freedom, love, happiness,” he said. “We find our common ground and we build from there. And as we’re building that common ground, we start keeping the powers that be accountable. We start reminding them of what our Constitution says. We start reminding them of what our Bill of Rights says. We start reminding them that we are a constitutional republic based upon the Bible and the Word of God, not a democracy. Go study. Go do your homework.”

In late 2022, CBN.com explored some aspects of Stapp's spiritual journey. The band was hugely successful out of the gate, but, according to Stapp, quoted in the article on the website: “I was a Christian who was in rebellion and running from the brand of Christianity that I was raised on..."

He was initially raised to know God as a God of love, but his stepfather presented a more angry attitude. Scott had enough of it. After a divorce, he continued to spiral downward and ended up in the hospital after a life-threatening fall.  In the midst of his despair, he met a woman named Jaclyn who was a Christian.  The CBN article said:

“I opened my eyes,” said Scott. “And they were blurry and I see two angels. And I’m kinda doing this and its Jaclyn and her mother and they’re washing my feet. They’re washing the dirt and blood and every thing off my feet, crying, sobbing and praying. And in that moment, and I get goose bumps talking about it, if there was any doubt who these women were and what they meant in my life, and I will go to my grave feeling this, that they were angels in my life, sent for me, there was no doubt after that moment.”

Finally Scott realized it was time to change. Wit the help of Jaclyn, her mother, and God, Scott got off drugs and healed emotionally. He and Jaclyn married, and now have a beautiful blended family. Scott has since released a solo album and a book about his journey...

Scott and Jaclyn did get married, but earlier this year, it was announced by People magazine that they would be divorcing.  That article featured these words:

Earlier this year, Scott opened up to PEOPLE about his new album Higher Power, which chronicled his highs and lows.

“I’ve gone through a pretty difficult period in life over the last four years,” he said. “I’m hanging in there — just one hour at a time, one thing at a time. Taking little bites of the elephant and then just waking up again and doing it all over the next day. A lot going on, but all good stuff.”

A New York Post Page Six article related that the couple had tried to make it work.  It stated:

In 2015, Stapp was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after abusing prescription drugs, alcohol and marijuana.

“I had a psychotic break,” Stapp told People. “I had delusions. I thought an angel was sitting on the hood of my car. I grew a beard to look like Jesus. I made threats that had the Secret Service coming to my door. My behavior became dangerous.”

Jaclyn recognized her husband’s need for help. “I was watching him die a slow, painful, public death,” she said. “And I was terrified.”

A quote from a rep for Jaclyn is quoted in the article, saying that she "faced a long battle in her relationship with Scott and, despite never envisioning divorcing him one day, she’s decided to move on..."

Certainly, there are some enormous complexities in the life of this rock n'roll singer - from childhood trauma, to substance abuse, to mental illness.  He has attempted to live the truth, but there are indications that he has come up short over much of his life.  Recent spiritual development has apparently been hard for him.

What can we learn?  Well, for one thing, we can develop a sense of empathy for those who struggle with mental illness.  All of us can have the assurance that the Scriptures speak powerfully to the arena of our minds, and we are told that we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds, according to Romans 12.  But, we have to be faithful to meditate on the Bible and allow its work to transpire in our consciousness.  That is a message we can share with others, as well as to implement ourselves. 

And, we have to realize that through our struggles, we don't have to travel that road alone.  Another People article said:

As Stapp continues on his recovery journey, he’s no longer afraid to reach out for help, but concedes it’s still something he needs to learn to do more. “It’s definitely something that I would encourage anybody out there who’s going through anything… You don’t have to do it alone,” he says.

We can also reflect on the power of truth.  Apparently, Scott Stapp has discovered some truth that he has desired to share. This can be an inspiration to us to seek and hold on to truth. And, sometimes it can come from unexpected places.