How Did We Get to Having Christian Rock Stars?

Something just doesn’t feel right about where we are in Christianity right now.

When and how did we get to the point of having Christian rock stars? Unfortunately, we have elevated certain people to the place of being larger than life and, in many people’s minds, larger than Christ. Instead of appreciating people who faithfully study and teach the Word and then follow faithfully, we exalt people who know how to promote themselves and “grow a ministry.” How did we get to this point and what should we do about it?

I obviously don’t have complete answers, but I do have some thoughts (based on Scripture) which can help us.

First, exalt Christ and no one else. Being on YouTube, TV, or live-streamed doesn’t make us famous, important, or right. Having a strong, unusual opinion does not make us a Bible scholar or righteous.

Christ must be exalted and followed. As Simon Peter said in answer to the question of Jesus,  “Lord, to whom shall we go, you have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). We are not Christian rock stars, we are servants of the most high God.

Second, we must recognize who we are. At best, we are simply “unworthy servants,” only doing what we have been commanded. We should not expect to be applauded by the world. In fact, the applause of the world may be the real problem we face.

Third, recognize that in our weakness we are strong. Did Paul ever receive the acclaim of the crowds or of the leaders? Nero was not Paul’s friend. Within a short period of time, Nero had both Paul and Peter executed.

To be friends with the world is to be at war with Christ. Paul knew weakness and struggle. He experienced the hard times of life and the blessings of God. In his weakness, he was strong.

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

As believers, we cannot point to celebrity believers, we must point to Christ, His unfailing Word, and humility and faith. At best, we really are just “unworthy servants.”

Finally, we must–we must–understand we all need God’s power. It is not what we can do but what God can do that can make all the difference.

In our weakness and humility, He is strong.

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4 Responses

  1. I listen to Christian radio daily. It reminds me to pray throughout the day and to worship my Lord minute-by-minute instead of daily or weekly. I think of those singing as simply worship leaders, not rock stars. I have wondered, however, when one of them will fall from grace because of all the attention they receive. So far, they sing of Jesus saving them, how wonderful is our God, and other themes that are a mainstay of the old Christian hymns.

    I think they appeal to our younger generations bc we can not only hear them but see them on social media. We want to know their testimony bc they look just like us. And I like to think that God is moving through their music as well. According to K-Love which now has stations across the country, Christian music festivals are transforming lives in places like New York and California! I am hopeful that God is moving in these places and that our music leaders will withstand Satan’s assault as well as those listening to that music.

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