“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:8
It’s more apparent than ever: Even in the dark, dank cesspools of celebrity and popular culture, God’s bright light cannot be deflected!
The latest, most prominent example played out amid the celebration of a major national sports championship.
The Boston Celtics had just defeated the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The air was jubilant. Grinning, high-fiving players and staffers slapped and hugged. Confetti was everywhere.
Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazulla stepped in front of a TV camera for an interview. Moments earlier he’d been wearing a jacket. Now he wore a black T-shirt with white lettering on its front.
The shirt read: “But first … let me thank God.”
Mazulla, a devout Catholic, has spoken boldly and unapologetically about his love of Jesus since entering the NBA. He took off his jacket so the shirt would be visible during a multitude of TV interviews.
The coach wanted to make clear that God blessed his team and staff with their talents. God deserved credit for their championship season. It was a brave statement in a league where money and celebrity typically hold sway over all else. He courageously made it.
Just a month earlier, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker ignited a firestorm of controversy during a college commencement address. Never shy about displaying his faith, Butker criticized public promotion of LBGTQ values, and encouraged female graduates to not sacrifice the fulfillment found in marriage and parenthood for the sake of their careers.
In late April, popular actor and comedian Russell Brand was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. He’d publicly announced earlier he was reading Scripture, and “that I need a personal relationship with God.” Unlike the ceaseless talking of so many other celebrities, Brand followed his statements with positive, faith-affirming action.
Are these examples part of a new trend of public figures poking sticks into the secular eye of popular culture? Or more of a door cracking open, allowing light in for others to see the way to salvation?
Only God knows – and you can bet He’ll keep shining his beacon brightly, welcoming all those who grasp the glory of His embrace.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
