Something is going to happen soon and we are going to be very disappointed. It might even rattle our faith for a bit. We’ll be even more discouraged when it seems like this thing continues to happen…over and over and over again.
Here is what is going to happen. A Christian celebrity—one that we’ve really looked up to for using his platform to glorify God—is going to change his views on human sexuality and affirm that which the Scriptures declare to be sin. We’ll be shocked and wonder how in the world something like this could happen.
But we really shouldn’t be shocked. After all it is we who have given him permission—and even encouraged him—to do this very thing. You see somewhere along the way we’ve made popularity an indispensable virtue. In our minds platform is central to Christian proclamation. Without platform how will we win the world to Jesus?
It is not surprising, then, that a well-meaning Christian would cave on an issue like sexuality. Sexuality does not seem to be something central to the gospel message. In order to keep his platform it would seem wise for our celebrity friend to adjust his views on human sexuality. And so even if he doesn’t fully embrace the cultures view of human sexuality, he’ll say what the mob wants to hear so as to keep his platform for Jesus.
But platform is not essential to Christian proclamation. Sure, given the proper context platform can be a wonderful asset. But it is not vital. The early Christians certainly did not have platform and they did just fine spreading the gospel from house to house. The gospel is always offensive. And in some seasons implications of the gospel (like human sexuality) are also terribly offensive. In these times Christians will be wildly unpopular. In such a season as this platform may actually be more of a distraction than an asset.
I’ve written this about those who have a much larger platform than you and I will probably ever have, but the point applies to us as well. We too can buy into the lie that our being liked by our neighbors is essential to gospel advancement. But it is not. We certainly want to make every effort to live at peace with everyone. If we are disliked we want to be sure it is because of our union with Christ and not simply because we aren’t likable people.
Don’t sacrifice your principles on the altar of platform.
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And this is newsworthy? If my faith depended on what is presented in so-called churches, mainstream seminaries, or in the shallow and unbiblical books that are now churned out by mainstream “Christian” publishers, I would be in a sorry place. Over the years, I have come to the realization that most who earn a living as Christians are nothing more than professionals working a gig. Of course they will change with the times. That’s how a successful business is run. So whoever this person is, my faith does not depend on him or her. I doubt I believed anything put out in their name anyway. Shaming the Lord’s name is now commonplace. It is grievous.