‘For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’ – Luke 9:25
Many people who rise or fall in the spotlight usually do it according to worldly standards. With the standard of the world set so heavily focused on sin, it is increasingly difficult to live in the world and yet not be of it. We see this happening with Christian influencers and stars who are climbing the ladder of the world, and with every step they take, they end up losing a bit more of their soul and/or Christian values. This trend raises an unsettling question: did they truly possess these values and beliefs to begin with? Nowadays, in America, it is so easy to claim to be a Christian, mostly due to a false outward appearance that is usually centered around being nice and wholesome. Yet, when push comes to shove and when faced with moral challenges, they often tend to look more worldly rather than embodying true Christian principles. The challenge lies in discerning whether their actions are genuine reflections of their faith or merely convenient identities crafted to fit into the expectations of the society around them. As they chase success and recognition, many risk losing sight of their faith and biblical values, highlighting a significant disconnect between their public personas and private beliefs. This phenomenon not only affects the individuals but also leads to a broader misunderstanding of what it truly means to live as a Christian in today’s world.
This has recently been discovered to be true in the realm of Chip and Joanna Gaines in their controversial new Tv show called ‘Back to the Frontier’. The issue with the show happens to be centered around the platforming of a homosexual couple with 2 children. The Christian community is outraged that this “Christian” couple (Chip & Joanna) would be associated in any form of promoting such wickedness. No matter the extend of their association, they are producers of a show that is highlighting the sin of homosexuality, no Christian should have their name tied to that.
When confronted by concerned Christians, Chip’s first response was to play the victim card and state that Christians were jumping to the wrong conclusions by being judgmental of the situation. He argued that they should first listen and learn, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives before casting judgment. However, it is crucial that we also speak truth and not associate in such ways with anything in regards to promoting a lifestyle of active sinning against God, as this can lead individuals further astray. He then proceeds to imply that non-believers would be hurt by this response and turned away from Christianity, suggesting that a more palatable approach might be necessary for outreach. This “Christianity” that Chip refers to is, however, a falsehood, for it seems to promote wickedness at the expense of the truth and prioritizes acceptance over righteousness. It seems to want to conform to the world rather than Christ, offering a diluted version of the faith that lacks the transformative power required for genuine Christian living. Such beliefs and actions are how one forfeits their soul in the pursuit of seeking approval from the world, risking the very core of Christian teaching meant to guide those toward repentance, righteousness, and eternal life.
Chip then proceeds farther down the rabbit hole by playing the new common Christian trump card via the command to Judge not. And yet He does this at the expense of knowing God’s judgment placed on those in such rebellious lifestyles and those who are found associated with them. God has given us the ability to discern between those who are living in sin and those who are abiding in Christ. Moreover, He has given us the charge to correct those who are brothers and sisters in Christ, who have fallen into sin. To call out sin and to shine light in the areas of darkness that are found in our Christian lives. And we must not water down the word of our Lord.
‘Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.’ – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
As Christians, we must always be gentle in our correction of our brothers and sisters in Christ, looking to bring them to restoration, not destruction. I do not know, nor claim to know, the hearts of Chip and Joanna Gaines, but I do know the instructions of our Lord. And He has called us to be salt and light in an ever-fallen world that promotes corruption. We cannot ignore such actions; we must not bury our heads in the sand, nor turn a blind eye towards those who claim to be Christians and yet live according to the world.
Many Christians are being falsely accused of judging others by those who seem to think that we are commanded to only be nice, according to the standards of the world’s version of nice. This is a huge issue that many Christians fall into nowadays. You can read more about this here https://thoughtsinthelight.com/2025/06/13/thou-shall-not-judge/
Leave a comment