An Open Letter To Kanye West
/Kanye, you don’t know me. We may never meet or have an opportunity to speak, but the internet makes lions out of us all so, here goes.
I have listened to your music for quite some time. Your musical genius and creativity is without question. From your first album until now, you’ve had an audience of people who admire and look up to you. I’m thankful for your gift and your musical genius. Your testimony of how Jesus has changed your life has inspired and caught the attention of millions - in this country and across the world. Very few people have the kind of reach and influence like you. To say that I was excited when I heard of the impact Jesus has on your life would be an understatement. As a fellow Christian, I rejoice when any person encounters Jesus, in whatever way it happens. As your brother in Christ, there’s just a few things I want to share if you’d be willing to give me an audience.
You’ve been in the music industry for quite some time and you know how challenging it is to work with people. We are fickle and often misdirect our pain. I want you to know, unfortunately, Christians are not the exception. You’ve alluded to this in your song Hands On (my favorite song on your album) with Fred Hammond (my favorite gospel artist). Although we are Christians, we are also human. As a result, we have the tendency to celebritize people. In many ways, you were already a celebrity according to the world’s standards. Sometimes those standards are blurred with Christian values. So, you’ll be invited to speak at churches, conferences and all types of Christian gatherings. You’ve already made various appearances, with several more in the pipeline. As your brother in Christ and a pastor, I would encourage you to take your time. You probably don’t need me to tell you this but, it’s OK to say no. It will by no means invalidate the change that Jesus has begun (and will complete) in your life. You will be called upon to share your testimony, which isn’t a bad thing - in fact, keep on sharing it! But, some of us see relationships as merely transactional. You’re hot as long as you don’t mess up. Once you do, well, you know how that goes…”they’ll be the first ones to judge you”. Don’t let us rush your process. We have the capacity to push you on our stages and then push you off, which leads me to my next point…
Many of us view the kind of platform that you have as the pinnacle. We view that as our life‘s goal and driving ambition. If we learn anything from 2 Corinthians 3-4, it is this: Our Christian lives, which many call ministry, is not a platform for talent. The Christian life is a journey. It is a marathon. We will spend the rest of our lives loving and following Jesus. As much as tomorrow is not promised to any of us, we don’t swing for the fences. Sometimes getting to first base is the most important thing we can do. Remain faithful to Jesus, your wife, family and your craft. Settle in to a local church and spend time there. That may be difficult (see #1), but do your best.
I celebrate you. More importantly, I celebrate and give praise to the Savior who saved you - not because of what you’ve done, but because of His rich mercy. Enjoy life with Him. Enjoy the journey.
Your brother in Christ,
Samuel