I’ve been intrigued lately by this new phenomena “Christians portraying Christians on reality TV shows.” One show, The Sisterhood features First Ladies; Christina Murray, DeLana Rutherford, Tara Lewis, Ivy Couch and Domonique Scott while another show, Big Rich Atlanta, features a Pastor, Sabrina McKenzie, known as the “Dancing Preacher.”
I’ve reviewed blogs, had conversations with and listened to other Christians come up with all kind of rational; pro and con, for and against the participants. It’s really interesting to me. I have one friend who commented on The Sisterhood but who has never seen the show. Just the thought of it (First Ladies on a reality show!) was too much for her. I wondered if she thought that the implied sin would rub off on her. I have to say, I’ve seen both shows and while some of my sensibilities are…challenged, so far, I’m not too shocked. I’m in contact with non-Christians on a daily basis and I also have family members who are not Saved so I haven’t seen anything that tops the things that I’ve already seen.
Right here, I’m going to stop using the word Christian and replace Christian with the word Saved because I think that this word reflects why there is so much disagreement. Let me explain; the term Christian is used very broadly without the knowledge of what the true meaning of the word implies, for instance people may say I was born a Christian but according to the Bible you can’t be born a Christian, the only way to become a Christian is to be Born Again (John 3:3). Society has tried to redefine the faith by separating it and designating two classes of Christians: regular Christians and Born Again Christians, that’s ignorance and a lack of understanding; it’s like separating wet from water; it can’t be done! Water is wet and wet is water but you can’t get one without the other. If you’re not Born Again, you’re not a Christian! But, since someone may become confused or offended by this statement I will use the word Saved.
The problem for most Saved people is that the Saved women in The Sisterhood are First Ladies (Pastor’s Wives) or ministers and are held in very high esteem. Protocol requires that they carry themselves in a certain way and according to scripture. The perceived problem is that these Saved women are shown in somewhat compromising less lofty positions away from church. They’re shown exposing many of their flaws since they are in a camera lens for the world to see. They may not always be dressed appropriately or I should say as others think that they should be dressed. In The Sisterhood there is clearly a difference in the opinions about how these Saved women perceive the gospel and scriptures when confronted by some of life’s circumstances but I’m sure that is probably true for others as well.
I wonder about this new platform could this be something sent by God to the world? Since it may appeal to those who do not attend church but who can relate to the situations that these Saved women find themselves in. I’ve chosen rather than to pass judgment to reserve my energy to pray that God be glorified. I realize that what He chooses to use may not always be apparent to me. After all, it was the religious people of the time who didn’t recognize Jesus. In His earthly ministry Jesus ate and drank with those who were not worthy and the religious leaders talked bad about Him (Matthew 11:19) but it was Jesus’ kindness that led sinners to repentance.
It’s obvious that none of these ladies in either of these reality shows is perfect but that may be exactly why God can use them. Before we judge we must pray that God be glorified (even if we don’t understand how these shows can bring Him glory). Pray for these women and their families (They’ve been bold enough to go where no Saved person has gone before!) People today want transparency the question is; is the church ready to let people know that we’re not perfect but we are forgiven? Is transparency welcomed in today’s Saved community? Can we allow these Saved women’s testimonies to define who each of them is in the Lord and use this as an occasion for prayer?
