Influenced

The Church, and those associated with it, are locked into a battle for the hearts and minds of people around the world - and attempting to leave an indelible imprint on the next generation.  We must be careful to make sure that we are assertively - and accurately - presenting the truth of the gospel.  And, make sure that we are rejecting unbiblical ideas that could derail us in our walk.  The Bible speaks to the power of the gospel message in 1st Corinthians chapter 4 (ESV):
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Students at the University of Georgia gathered about a month ago for a Turning Point USA rally there.  Vice-President J.D. Vance was one of the speakers, and he took questions from the audience.  According to the Roll Call website, a student asked the following:

...when you were growing up, who was your voice/influencer that helped you see your conservative views? And then for now, who can we look at as an influencer or a voice?

Well, just a week after the rally at UGA, The Christian Post ran an article about the comedian, who is also host of a podcast.  The article related:

Von took a call from a listener who described feeling trapped in a cycle of loneliness, poor decisions and regret. In response, the 46-year-old comedian related the caller’s experience to his own.

“I’ve been struggling, man,” Von said. “For the past couple years, it’s been a struggle in certain ways with certain behaviors that I’m just not proud of, right? Or really just behaviors that I didn’t want to do anymore.”

Von, who previously revealed he attends Bible study with country star Morgan Wallen, said one of the most difficult aspects of his struggle is the tension between seeking help and doubting whether change will last. He shared how he’s shifted the way he prays in response to that internal conflict.

“I started praying like, ‘God, please help me with this. This is a broken part of me that I bring to You. I need help with it,'” he said. “And then I would add to my prayer. I would say, ‘Even God, even as I pray to You right now, there’s a part of me that knows I’m probably lying to You. There’s a part of me that knows I’m gonna do that behavior again. So can You come into that part of me and help me there?’”

Theo Von shared this: “But I think I want a new story, dude,” adding, “And it’s crazy for me to even say that. But yeah, I think I want a new story. So that’s one thing that I’m asking God for — I’m asking God for a new story. I’m asking God for the next part of me.”   The article noted; "He’s also previously described longing for what he calls 'spiritual cleanliness' and connection with God."

The article also mentioned that, "Christian comedian Tim Hawkins told CP that in recent years, he's seen signs of change within the comedy world as an increasing number of comedians grapple with questions of faith and purpose."  Tim said this: "Guys like Theo ... these entertainers … are realizing there's more to it, that they've been down these roads, and it doesn't end in a fun place. It doesn't end in a good place. It's like, ‘Well, what are the answers?’ It sets them on a journey for a purpose, because they know how to do comedy. But it's like, ‘Why? What's the point?’ I think it's encouraging, and the more the clean performers succeed, that helps guys like me … it really is kind of a team thing.”

Certainly, Tim Hawkins has found that meaning and purpose through his life in Christ. Something that Theo Von, and so many others are looking for.  And, yes, God can give a person a new story; the healing that they, including Theo, are desperately seeking.

We recognize that through a relationship with Jesus, a new story is possible.  But, it takes faith and a willingness to surrender to God, to ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, and to follow Him as a disciple.  It's possible.

Then one has to reckon with how a new story is practical.  In other words, you have to make decisions that are in line with what you say.  Jesus dealt with the practicalities of following Him - things, perhaps people, definitely desires have to be left behind.  And, when we surrender, God will show us the way we are to walk.

And, a new story is phenomenal. Jesus calls us to a new story, flowing out of our new life with Him, powered by the Holy Spirit and bringing peace, joy, and, as Acts says, "times of refreshing."  When we are locked in to Christ, He promises a new life that is beyond belief, that is abundant, that is filled with the presence of His Spirit.