A couple of weeks ago, I released a podcast that was basically just a book review. I had gleaned a lot from the book, and wanted to share it with others. Throughout the course of recording, I said a phrase along the lines of “I don’t agree with everything the book says” and listed a few reasons, but didn’t do any follow up. I didn’t think much of it, the podcast came out, and that was that.
However, a few of hours later, I received an email. It was from the author of the book, who happened to listen to the podcast that day. I was completely taken aback by the fact that the author would stumble upon my podcast. Not only that, but take the time to listen to all 20+ minutes of it!
The reason she chose to write the email was because of what I mentioned earlier: that I’d said I didn’t agree with certain portions of the book. She was interested in knowing specifically what kinds of things I took issue with. I was grateful for the opportunity to share with her some of the Bible’s teachings on certain subjects, but ultimately, the email taught me a lesson that I desperately needed: celebrities are real people, too.
I think too often we are quick to teach about not being hurtful with our speech, not gossiping, not being rude, etc., but only when it comes to “real” people. You shouldn’t bash your elders. You shouldn’t “have your preacher for lunch.” You shouldn’t backbite against your sisters in Christ. You shouldn’t join in gossiping with your co-workers. You don’t get to revile or come down on or blow up at anyone you come in contact with. And I whole-heartedly agree. But what about the people we don’t come in contact with?
How often do the same people who say “don’t be rude” write scathing blog posts about our president, TV stars, or musicians? How often do people claiming to “love everyone” bash celebrities, news personalities, or anyone who happens to find themselves in a magazine article? Sure, those people are in the public eye, so clearly that means they are untouchable with our words, right? They will never see me use them as the subject of my blog in which I tear their entire life to shreds. They will never listen as I pick apart their lives in a critical manner. They’re famous. What I think/write/post/say about them doesn’t matter.
But we’re accountable for everything. As Christians, every idle word that we say, tweet, post, or text is a word we’ll give an account for. Maybe that person never reads or hears your words. Maybe they don’t call you on it. But Jesus will. Jesus will make you stand before Him in judgment and answer for the things you said. How comfortable are you with that scenario? I know there have been things I’ve said about famous people that, frankly, I’m not comfortable with saying to that person or to our Savior—because He died for them.
But maybe they will read it. Maybe that person will stumble across your blog or podcast or article. Then what? Have you influenced them for Christ by the things you said? Or did you make them resent Christ because His people act hypocritical?
I am thankful I had the opportunity to respond to the author, and was and am prayerful that it was done in a spirit of love and that Christ was glorified through my words. Now, I am calling all bloggers, podcasters, writers, etc. to watch their words. To carefully weigh the things they say and examples they use. If the person you’re speaking about read it, would they be hurt? Would they come to you with questions? Would they want to know more about Jesus? Ultimately, that has to be our goal. In everything we think, say, do or write, we have to be people who are bringing glory to our God, otherwise, we need to stop.
