I was talking with a friend this week about Kanye West, and if his Jesus is King! album and open embrace of Christianity is “real.”
My take is that, from what I can see, Kanye is sincere. I’ve seen a number of his interviews, and I really like the innocence I see in him, and the free nature of his mind, as he discusses topics too-rarely discussed in this “safe” age of ours.
I respect what Kanye is doing to ensure that his family lives a good and righteous life. And his desire that people find more independence from “the machine,” buy land, and generally question what they have been told.
I admire Kanye’s outspokenness in support of his faith. And the way he is breaking the bounds of today’s Christian conversation, which all too often begins and ends with quoting the Bible.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but admiration for the Bible, but let’s face it, anybody can memorize a passage in a book and quote it back. It’s no test of inspiration!
From my viewpoint, Kanye is having an overwhelmingly positive influence, particularly on black Americans, who too often have fallen into groupthink. This is a good thing.
I believe he is sincere. Of course a person can be sincerely wrong too, but that’s another story.
What’s most important though, is what each person does with a positive message. It is easy to simply follow, be they a celebrity, preacher, or politician.
So ultimately the question is not whether a certain “influencer” is “sincere,” or even right. The question for each one of us is, how does that affect us?
If the example of another person inspires us to find a true relationship with our Creator, then their influence has been successful. If it is just another way to follow a celebrity, then it is a failure.
I am a health and fitness coach. I help people to find true, natural health and fitness, hopefully inspiring them toward health independence. If a client merely sees what I am offering is just another program, one of many they will follow in their lifetimes, then I haven’t really gotten through to them.
In our lives, it’s always about us and our motivations, and who we can inspire to live with greater independence and joy. That’s what counts. That’s what lasts.
Patrick Rooney is the Founder of OldSchoolUs.com. Its focus is natural health and independent living. Patrick is the author of GREEK PHYSIQUE: The Simple, Satisfying Way to Sculpt Your Body—Even if You’re Old, Weak, or Broken Down; and is also the creator of Greek Yoga™ and the Greek Yoga for Beginners video. He offers health and fitness coaching in-person in Middle Tennessee and worldwide via phone, Zoom, and Skype. To reach Patrick, email him at [email protected].