Christian and Celebrity

Last week, a musical artist named Robert Ritchie, also known as Kid Rock, released a new album.  A Christian album.  The first single is called “Jesus Is King.”  If you know anything about Kid Rock, you know that this is a dramatic departure from his catalogue of songs.  Until now, his songs mostly glorified alcohol and drug use and objectified women.  With this latest release, Kid Rock is singing about the freedom he’s found in a relationship with Jesus.  It’s fair to question how Kid Rock’s previous songs square with the kingdom of God.  But we also need to acknowledge that the power of God can change a human heart.  Good for you, Kid!

While I’m happy for Kid Rock, I have some concerns about what this means for the movement.  There is a sentiment among Christians that when a celebrity becomes a Christian, it validates our faith.  When Kanye West or Kim Kardashian or a professional athlete expresses a faith in Jesus, it goes to show that our beliefs are legitimate.  But Jesus doesn’t need an endorsement from celebrities to be our Savior.  Furthermore, when a celebrity goes public with faith in Christ, it’s usually a mixed bag.  It will challenge some to explore the claims of Christianity while further alienating others.  I contend that the most powerful testimony is not that of a celebrity, but the love of Christ expressed through you and me to the people in our lives.  Our faith has only one true celebrity.  And it’s not Kid Rock or you or me.  It’s Jesus.