My Perspective on #DuckDynasty v. #AE v. #Christianity
I for one have not been a fan of the show Duck Dynasty and all the hoopla surrounding the family. The reason why, it seemed to me that Duck Dynasty became its own christian denomination in a weird and worldly sense. So many Americans, especially Christians, became more devoted to following Duck Dyansty, wearing their clothes, using their gear, reading their blogs, news articles, memorizing their quotes.... than their devotion to Jesus Christ himself. That is a problem in my opinion and conviction. I can't help but believe that the Robertson family would honestly not want to take all the attention away from the true gospel and make it the Robertson Duck Dynasty Gospel. Unfortunately for many Americans and other nationalities that is exactly what happened. Not for all, I do understand that.
Now we have the so called "Duck Dynasty Gate" an attack on freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Although it is encouraging to see so many Christians standing by Phil Robertson and his families side with so much support that our social media is inundated with every hashtag imaginable relating to Duck Dynasty and the Robertson family, Where is Jesus in all of this? Yes, I totally agree that Christians need to stand firm on biblical teachings and not cave in to liberalism. We need to fight the good fight and proclaim the gospel message in all aspects of our lives each and everyday.
Why has Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson become our battle? Are we fighting for the Gospel of Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson, or are we fighting for the gospel of Jesus Christ. What has happened to Phil is nothing new, it happens to each and everyone of us on a daily basis. We are censored by employers, schools, liberal left extremist, and politicians every single day. What is even worse, we censor ourselves because of fear. Fear we might be made fun of, rejected, hated and standing alone.
Duck Dynasty has motivated and fueled the passion of so many Christians. If your passion to fight the good fight and live the life Christ has called you to live is centered around Duck Dynasty, then you are sadly mistaken and living in sin. Christian motivation must come from the Holy Spirit if the battle is to be a Christ centered God glorifying.
As you read I Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul address this issue with the church of Corinth.
I Corinthians 1:12-17 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
The conclusion of Paul's writings; division and followings apart from the gospel of Jesus Christ empties the power of the one true gospel. I have to say, so many Christians who have remained silent in the faith have only now spoke up because of what has happened to Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty. It is a shame that most Christians do not have the same passion for Jesus Christ as they do for a reality show icon.
May I encourage all the born again Christians who read this post to seek the Holy Spirit within and allow your savior Jesus Christ who died for your sins to become your motivation and passion to live the life we are called to live in Christ. His last command was His greatest, and it did not come from the Gospel of Duck Dynasty or any other name but only the name of Jesus Christ. It can not be fulfilled through hate or anger, but only through Godly love. No one has ever been won over through hate and no one has ever been unrighteously angered into heaven.
Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
