Kanye West has been trending all over social media this past week after making disturbing comments about American slavery in an interview with TMZ.
In the live recording, he made the suggestion that African Americans’ prolonged endurance of slavery was by choice.
West has been labeled a genius when it comes to his rap career and business endeavors. I am not a fan of his music, but I am aware of the weight his words carry in this world. And it prompted a few thoughts in my mind – a mind that “freely chooses” to be guided by the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
Wisdom is Better Than Wealth
I made a commitment to pursue wisdom a little over two years ago. In an effort to walk out that declaration, I read one chapter of Proverbs each day. These words have slowly but so surely taken root in my heart and I see the incredible benefits of them.
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Prov 8:11
Kanye West is a ridiculously famous rapper with an estimated net worth of $145 million. He has the wealth and the fame of a king, but is lacking so deeply in the stability of his mind. Perhaps his goal as a child was to become rich, but money never satisfies and it sure doesn’t (despite popular assumption) demand automatic credibility.
Foolishness Should Not Be Entertained
If you were to watch the full interview, you could notice the confusion going on in West’s mind. There is no doubt that his audience struggled to understand, but it seemed as if he wasn’t sure of the words coming out of his own mouth.
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” Prov 26:4
Did you know foolishness is contagious? When I see headlines or hear comments that bring confusion, I have to remind myself to accept it as folly and move on. It is difficult to reason with a fool, but it is also dangerous. The Bible says that you’ll become a fool yourself. It’s important to acknowledge, especially viewing events from a Christian perspective in the current moral/social climate we’re in – some things just won’t make sense.
It’s a Privilege to Understand God’s Word
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Cor 4:4
We must realize as believers, we are incredibly privileged with the ability to hear God’s voice and read His word with understanding. When I first began the journey of pursuing Christ, none of the verses made sense to me. I continued reading because I wanted so desperately to know the God who wrote these letters, and in time, He granted me that understanding.
We must realize that the good news is actually blinded to people who don’t have Christ. Their eyes are shielded from the wisdom and the knowledge of our King.
So, What’s the Play Call?
What do we do when those who have influence in this world encourage destructive thought? We pray and stay true to living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Like Jesus said, they don’t know what they’re doing. They don’t know the extent of the impact their words hold. Nor do they understand the death that they can produce with their own tongues. This world needs us to rise up in prayer and action for its political, social, and economic leaders – using the mind of Christ.
Will you?
