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Miley Cyrus, mega-star of Disney's Hannah Montana and Sherri Shepherd, co-host of The View, are both Christians. Both have not been shy about openly sharing their faith and/or Christian beliefs. Now both are being attacked and vilified over the Internet, probably because of their boldness to openly share their faith in and give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ in the spotlight that celebrity status brings.
At Hollywood red carpet events, on award shows and in interviews, teen sensation, Miley Cyrus has boldly acknowledged her Lord as the source of her talent, thanked Him for her success and shared His importance in her life. In the July 21 - August 8, 2008 issue of TV Guide, a public relations expert stated that by sharing her "religious beliefs", Miley opened herself up to criticism. The case in point was the whirlwind of criticism about the now infamous Miley Cyrus Vanity Fair photo. In view of what was reported about the circumstances surrounding Miley posing for the photo, one could speculate whether or not the idea for the infamous photo shot was in fact a trap designed to curtail the influence of this teen sensation who happens to be a Christian in an effort to show a sharp contrast between her profession of faith and her actions.
As co-host of The View, Sherri has shared how her faith in Jesus Christ impacts her views about life and the world. On a show based on the premise of women being free to share their respective "views", Sherri has been openly rebuked for believing what the Bible says about creation instead of believing that the Theory of Evolution is true. Now, Sherri is being painted as the least prepared co-host who exemplifies diva-like behavior. Is Sherri being persecuted because of her firmness in holding to her views that are based on her Christian faith?
Jesus said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also." John 15:18-23
What Miley and Sherri are experiencing is not uncommon to people of faith. Christians in all walks of life have at one time or another experienced criticism in one form or another because of their profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However the criticism (which is a form of persecution) that Miley and Sherry are experiencing is magnified because of their celebrity status. In light of the Word of God recorded in Roman 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose", Miley's and Sherri's experiences are an opportunity to share God's response to persecution: Pray for your enemies.
Jesus instructs, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48
In the midst of persecution, Jesus said His followers (Christians) should love their enemies. One way to love them is to pray for them. Praying for one's enemies (persecutors) is an act of faith. Acting on one's faith is the way to overcome the persecution. Consider the following scripture, "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of god…whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." 1 John 5:1,4 Faith in Jesus Christ, put into action by praying for one's enemies overcomes the persecution that the world dishes out. Such faith stops the negative effects of persecution and causes a manifestation of victory in the life of the Christian who exercised their faith.
At first glance, it would seem that praying for one's enemies is difficult to do because how could one bless someone who causes one pain? However, praying for one's enemies does them no favor. It activates the power of God on behalf of the one praying to destroy the persecution and its negative effects. That is how the victory is manifested. Unfortunately, the one doing the persecuting gets caught in the destruction of the persecution and reaps the results of their folly. That is why Jesus stated that Christians should be perfect. The word perfect used in Matthew 5:48 does not mean flawless as in never makes mistakes, it means mature1. A perfect or mature Christian understands that exercising one's faith by praying for one's enemies is the way to activate the power of God to destroy persecution and its effects and does so.
Miley and Sherri, pray for your enemies. The persecution and its negative effects will disappear. Your victory will be as widespread as the criticism. Keep on sharing your faith. Your sharing is a blessing.
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13.
"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your breotherhood in the world." 1 Peter 5:8-9
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
References
1Hayford, Jack W., Spirit-Flled Life Bible. New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, pp. 1808-1809.
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