(Sung to the theme from The Beverly Hillbillies)
Come and listen to a story, ‘bout a gal named Sue
Church volunteer – amateur singer, too
The crowds and the judges were doubtful of her skill
She reminded all you can’t prejudge – although we prob’ly will
(Forgive us, Lord. It’s sin. We know.)
AND
Come and listen to a story, ‘bout Carrie Prejean
Christian first, then model…beauty queen!
The crowds and the judges were sure of her skill
Till she showed integrity – now it’s all ill will
(I wonder Lord, would I have done the same? Hopefully, that is,
through the p’wer of Your Spirit!)
Wow…in the space of two weeks, two confident women – with differing public reactions.
I blogged about Susan Boyle last week – one of the main points being that people often base their belief in Christ by His appearance through me and you. What a profound and pressure-filled thought…someone may accept or reject even considering Christ because of my actions (or lake thereof), good and bad.
The Apostle Paul writes:
“Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.”
Colossians 3:17
With Carrie Prejean (Miss California and 2009 Miss USA runner-up), we see somewhat the opposite from Susan Boyle. We see someone who is appealing and beautiful in the world’s eyes; but, when she stated her belief on a controversial issue, was vilified by people (starting with one and quickly spreading…).
No mater how someone feels about a topic, you would think that we would choose to intelligently and respectfully discuss and converse about the topic/issue. I am thinking of both sides of the particular issue that caused the uproar with Prejean – gay Marriage. I’ve seen poor behavior all around – God forgive us. In reality, I don’t think people will come to a “happy medium” on the issue of gay marriage. People are passionate about their opinions on both sides – some with perceived rights, some with the authority of scripture behind them.
I don’t know Prejean or anything about her other than reading her Wikipedia page – our only connections would be that we live in the same state and; it would appear, share the same Lord and Savior and belief in marriage.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I am teaching a Sunday school class this quarter on Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love. This past week’s chapter was called “Profile of the Lukewarm” – a deep chapter that described a lukewarm person – not based on Francis Chan’s opinion, but based solely the authority of God’s Word. One of the characteristics that was listed was how lukewarm people “tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They want to fit in at church and outside church. They care more about what people think than what God thinks.”
So this is what God thinks:
“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1
Reflecting on Carrie Prejean’s choice and example, I pray that I/we would make brave and integrity-laden choices when faced with similar situations. Just think, we follow in Christ’s footsteps when we do.
Chalk up two for the ladies – thanks for great lessons Susan and Carrie!
x
Ponder this:
Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me. – Jim Elliot, Missionary
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