I have so many thoughts running through my head regarding this young man. And I've tried so hard to just keep my conviction to myself, and not push it on anyone else. But the more I try, the harder it has gotten.
I'm not trying to bash anyone, or make anyone feel that I am judging them. I don't want to give off a "holier than thou" impression. I just have a strong conviction that I can't keep silent about anymore.
I can't go a few days without hearing some kind of joke made at Justin's expense. Some are more innocent than others. Some are seriously offensive.
The thing that I have a hard time with, is that this boy is a human being, with feelings. I'm sure he can see all these youtube videos and comments all over the web.
While we may think it's innocent teasing, few of us would find the humor in it if this was directed at us.
A few thoughts on Justin:
Yes, he may be quite ignorant. He may say things that are simply laughable. He may think he's all that (which, from what I can tell is one thing that many people have a problem with).
He may not be the worlds most amazing musician. You may simply despise his sound.
But, here's the thing... I am so glad that there weren't a thousand camera's on me at that awkward time in my life. I can remember in my teenage years times that I was so arrogant and ignorant. Times I simply wish I couldn't remember 'cause of the sheer embarrassment of how awkward and ridiculous I was.
Why do so many people find enjoyment in tearing that boy down?
Why do we enjoy the humor that brings others pain?
He may just be a face to alot of people. Maybe people forget that he really is a person who hears these things said about him.
But, this brings me to the real point that I want to bring up...
What are we as Christians doing participating in it?
What about it is loving our neighbor?
It's the furthest thing from love I can think of.
People who read this may think I'm taking it too seriously. But, I just can't see this kid Justin not being affected by the things being said about him. I can't see that it wouldn't hurt his feelings. That this wouldn't possibly send him into some kind of emotional turmoil.
How can he believe that Christians are loving when we are participating in the kind of joking about him that is circulating?
I just want to challenge us to look within ourselves, and to question our motives as to why we would participate in this kind of thing. Is the love of Christ flowing out of us through it? or are we being hypocrites? I feel like we're being two-faced. Claiming we love Christ and then picking on someone that Christ loves very much.
And one that truly irritates me, is that, if everyone wasn't making fun of this kid, would we be doing it? Are you being a victim of "group think"?
It makes me think of Christ and the crowd screaming to crucify him. What had he ever done to the crowd but heal and feed them? Why is the human race so thirsty to see the demise of another? Why do we so easily go with the crowd despite our conviction? Despite what we know is right? Why are so freaking scared to be the few that stand in opposition to the majority?
If the world wasn't laughing at him, would you have even have noticed him at all?
What is motivating you?
Can't we find humor in things that don't humiliate a person?
I'm ok with everyone thinking that I've gone overboard on this subject.
I'm ok with standing by my convictions despite the unpopularity.
Aren't you?
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