BIG CAUTION to Christians about Kanye West's Album
I’ve really been looking forward to joining the conversation about Kanye West and his Album titled Jesus is King for a while now. I have done some research these past few weeks. I’ve been listening to those who are sharing their thoughts, reading articles, watching different clips, and I have been seeing a ton of stuff on social media. Oh, and I have been thorough in my research by listening to the whole album and asking my eight year old his favorite songs. Total transparency: we have the same favorite songs, but our order of which song should be played first is up for debate. So with all of that in mind, plus my own relationship with Jesus as my foundation, I have three quick thoughts before I jump into my BIG CAUTION to Christians about Kanye West’s album. Here we go:
First: Even before hearing the tracks I loved the idea of the album, because I like Kim K! Now, I must admit I’m a bad Kimye fan, my understanding of their lives is limited. I know very little. I remember when Keeping up with the Kardashians started though, and oh yea, I watched regularly… but now that I don’t have the time to keep up I’m still amazed and see Gods grace over their lives. I think there is something special about them. That God has plans for their lives and that He has been moving behind the scenes on their behalf and preparing something special for them. So hearing about Kanye’s album was just so cool!
Second: Some people are talking about Kanye’s actions within politics, specifically his relationship with Trump and how he stewards his role as a man of color in influential spaces. Another thing people are talking about is his last album “Ye” and they are saying it didn’t do well and how musically they don’t think “Jesus is King” is very good, therefore he can’t afford to produce another album that is “lightweight” again. I’d like to know what statistics they are using to support that. Did they not see that every song on his album debut on Billboards Hot 100? Dear Rolling Stone, do you really think the album is lightweight? From my perspective (as a Christian) this is a heavy hitter album. Google has experienced “massive spikes” in three specific searches: “Jesus” “What do Christians believe?” and “Jesus is King” since the release of the album. Thousands are hearing about God and beginning their relationship with Christ. To me the impact of this album is not lightweight, but I do understand there is a real divide between Christian music and the rest of the music world about musicianship and the meaning behind each piece of work. Why does the devil have all the good music? I mean, even Kanye has nothing on him according to some people.
Third: Having an album about Jesus doesn’t mean Kanye is perfect. If Christians only got into Heaven because they were perfect no one get in. If Christians only shared the Gospel because they were perfect, no one would receive salvation. We have a culture that says if you produce an album, a book, have a business or start a movement, you are an expert— but truthfully those who are humble and have influence know they are only discovering, growing and sharing what they are learning.
Yes, my friends, I have just breezed over these issues, but I have a BIG CAUTION to Christians in regards to Kayne and his album. Please join me as I share my thoughts. I’d love to hear yours in the comments…
Here is my statement: I’m afraid.
I’m afraid Christians might miss what God is doing because God is doing something in a way they did not expect things to be done. Spiritually, Politically, Financially, Socially… all the “ally’s”!!!
In the Gospels, we read over and over again how the Pharisees didn’t approve of Jesus’ actions. Yes, it was the Roman government who ordered the crucifixion of Christ, but what crime did he commit against them? None. He broke religious laws, specifically the commandments of the pharisees in that day that they were teaching like doctrine. (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:3-20)
Even in our day, Christians get stuck on how they think God will move in their generation, their city, or their church, and they miss it when He does move. Christians get stuck on how someone should “receive” salvation and how they should live afterwards.
I don’t want to be that kind of Christian. I don’t want to miss a move of God, especially if it’s God moving in one person. I don’t want to miss celebrating the salvation of another, and I definitely don’t want to judge the validity of their salvation by their past. After all isn’t that why salvation is necessary? I don’t want anyone to judge me by my life without Christ. Rather I’d like to be known by my fruit, the fruit produced when Jesus becomes my Lord and Savior, the fruit produced when I begin to follow the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 5, Matthew 7:15-20)
I just don’t want to be caught doubting that someone has met Christ or that because of their past, or the reputation of their community, that they can’t continue to have a successful sanctification journey. I also don’t want to doubt that God can move in anyone’s life, including a celebrity.
Doubt is like yeast or “leaven” and only a little bit is necessary to rise. According to Galatians 5:9 “A little leaven, leaven’s the whole lump.” Only a little bit of doubt compromises our faith that God loves everyone, has good things for everyone, and can change the trajectory of anyone’s life. That kind of doubt can eventually reveal our own doubt in what Christ can do in our own lives. (Doubt reveals our double-mindedness. James 1:5-8)
My big caution to Christians is this: Let’s not doubt the salvation of a man, rather let’s believe for its completion. Let’s trust that God will complete His work in His time, regardless of their talent, political status, financial issues, and the like. (Philippians 1:6, John 3:16)
I’m curious, have you heard the album? What are your thoughts on the project?