What Miley Really Needs

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18 NIV)

Social media lit up Sunday night and continued into Monday after Miley Cyrus’ performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.  Most were shocked and appalled at what many described as akin to a strip club performance.  The wannabe psychologists say Miley is trying to remove any vestige of her “Hanna Montana” persona.  

We’ve been here many times before since the 1970’s.  Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osborne, Madonna, Britney, Lady Gaga.  All have sought attention by seeking to shock us with lewd stage behavior and lyrics.  Some do it merely to propel their careers and fill their bank accounts.  Others, perhaps, are more authentic and truly projecting who they are and how they view life.  Regardless, it is easy for many of us to condemn them for their public behavior and lifestyle because of their influence on our society, particularly young people.  

But here’s the truth: they are already condemned.  One person posted this question on Facebook: “What’s happened to Miley Cyrus?”  I commented: “She doesn’t know Jesus.”  Those who don’t know Jesus are already condemned; that is, they are already standing under God’s judgment.  Thus, they don’t need us piling on.  We, too, stand condemned if we don’t know Jesus.  He is the only difference.  And He came into the world not to bring judgment, but to be the way by which to get out from under it.  Without Jesus, we are all toast!

Jesus came into a world that was literally already condemned.  And His purpose was not to execute judgment, but to give the opportunity for people to be saved from it by demonstrating His love for them.  As His followers, our mission is the same.  Miley and anyone else who does not know Jesus have already been judged.  What they need is to be saved, and that will only come when they experience how much they are truly loved.

Today, you are likely to meet many people who don’t know Jesus and live like it.  What they need is not more condemnation.  They already have plenty stored up.  Instead, what they need is Jesus in their lives, and your love for them may be what helps to put Him there.

© Jim Musser 2013