Christian Bias

Colton Dixon would rather lose “American Idol” than try to conceal his spirituality.

Colton, a devout Christian from Murfreesboro, Tenn., plans to continue using the show and social media to spread his message of faith — despite warnings from producers that it could alienate some viewers and cost him the “Idol” crown.

It’s time we recognize that the coming Christian persecution, isn’t coming; it’s here. Those of us who claim Christ as Savior need to realize that there are consequences to being a bold Christian. It doesn’t really matter if the producers of American Idol are genuinely concerned about Colton getting a fair shot on their show, or if they just don’t want any Christian controversy on the program. The affect is the same. Being bold about being a Christian has impact today.

In my lifetime, most folks found it advantageous to be considered a “good Christian.” For us the new paradyms are strange. We need to realize that with every move we make things are different. Being a bold Christian can affect our employment and career status. It can impact us socially. It can make life tough for us and our family. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we need to go hide in a hole. I am saying we need to be wise and deliberate in how we act.

We need to recognize that much of the prejudice isn’t really against true followers of Christ; but against those who claim to be Christian but who talk and live unloving and self-righteous lives. Other prejudice is really against those who follow the Lord.

We face two big challenges. The first is to portray true Christianity to a world that has some erroneous preconvieved ideas about what it means to be Christian. The second is to walk out our faith in honest reflection of the Lord who is our reason for living.

Let me recommend this: By our love for one another will the world know that we are His disciples. Let’s covenant to love better, more unconditionaly and let’s promise to give credit where credit is due. The love we show is not our own, but comes from the One who made and saved us.

Christian Bias is here. It’s time to bring it on. We are not called to win American Idol. We are called to shine from whatever platform we are given.

Nick