He Gets Us, A Critique
Most people who watch TV, including the Super Bowl, have seen the He Gets Us commercials. Underwritten by several groups together, the intent is to create interest in Jesus, have people check with resources provided, then coach them from there. And as I have read about the results, it appears many have done just that, responded with questions and allowed others to provide biblical counsel. A good thing, and I applaud the successes this project has accomplished.
But there are critics of this project, from within the church. In this past year’s Super Bowl, one of the He Gets Us ad’s showed people having their feet washed. There was great diversity among those featured. The message seemed to be: As Christians serve other people selflessly, they represent Jesus, who gets us. One critic said, “the clear goal of the ad is to bring people together across different life experiences and backgrounds.” The sponsors of the He Gets Us ads would probably agree. Good so far.
This same critic continues, saying he believes the producers aims are “not actually about upholding and embracing the poor, the underrepresented people from all walks of life, without trying to condemn intrinsic parts of their identity.” He goes on to say, “Its targets on the left are wary of the sort of hollow proselytizing that claims to love the sinner while casting their intrinsic identity as something sinful.”
Are you getting the drift? [Don’t say you love me and will serve me unless you are willing to accept me as I am, regardless of how I identify (homosexual, transgender, etc.). Do not call my lifestyle sinful, because if you do, I will reject your overtures of love and service.] Now, being fair to those producing the He Gets Us ads, nowhere do they talk about or make such statements in the ads. But the critic knows the Christian world well and realizes that behind the scenes, and when counseling is provided, this will become an issue. So, leave us alone if you won’t love us and accept us unconditionally.
This has been my personal experience, as well. I know several in the “gay” community who have sold out to such thinking. They will not entertain any Christian message that doesn’t wrap its arms around their lifestyle. Accepting their lifestyle is the litmus test that screens all else. As we occasionally have such people visit church, this requires discernment. Are they here as seekers, truly wanting to know what the Bible teaches, what Jesus teaches, interested in his salvation? Or are they just testing the waters, wanting to stir them, muddy them, and cause an issue? If it’s the former, welcome, welcome! If it’s the latter, we still show love, but we take action to diffuse, to counsel if they are willing, but to make them aware this is a place of worship honoring the God of the Bible, not a place for political debate.
And here is my personal critique of the He Gets Us ads. When Jesus was with those needing salvation, did he love them and show compassion? Indeed, he did. But he did not provide a message that said, “I accept you as you are.” He loved them as they were, but his message was just like John the Baptists who paved his way, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” That message is universal, for each of us. We must repent of our sins (and we all have them). If the counselors of the He Gets Us ads provide this message, that is great, but it must be part of the message of the gospel.
Does Jesus get us? He does. He was tempted in all ways, but did not give in, remaining sinless (Heb. 4:15). He offers to cover us with his sinlessness IF we repent and follow him in faith (Gal. 3:26-29; Acts 2:36-40, etc.). This is a topic about identity crisis. Giving up ours and immersing ourselves in his.
Cross Point: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17)
But there are critics of this project, from within the church. In this past year’s Super Bowl, one of the He Gets Us ad’s showed people having their feet washed. There was great diversity among those featured. The message seemed to be: As Christians serve other people selflessly, they represent Jesus, who gets us. One critic said, “the clear goal of the ad is to bring people together across different life experiences and backgrounds.” The sponsors of the He Gets Us ads would probably agree. Good so far.
This same critic continues, saying he believes the producers aims are “not actually about upholding and embracing the poor, the underrepresented people from all walks of life, without trying to condemn intrinsic parts of their identity.” He goes on to say, “Its targets on the left are wary of the sort of hollow proselytizing that claims to love the sinner while casting their intrinsic identity as something sinful.”
Are you getting the drift? [Don’t say you love me and will serve me unless you are willing to accept me as I am, regardless of how I identify (homosexual, transgender, etc.). Do not call my lifestyle sinful, because if you do, I will reject your overtures of love and service.] Now, being fair to those producing the He Gets Us ads, nowhere do they talk about or make such statements in the ads. But the critic knows the Christian world well and realizes that behind the scenes, and when counseling is provided, this will become an issue. So, leave us alone if you won’t love us and accept us unconditionally.
This has been my personal experience, as well. I know several in the “gay” community who have sold out to such thinking. They will not entertain any Christian message that doesn’t wrap its arms around their lifestyle. Accepting their lifestyle is the litmus test that screens all else. As we occasionally have such people visit church, this requires discernment. Are they here as seekers, truly wanting to know what the Bible teaches, what Jesus teaches, interested in his salvation? Or are they just testing the waters, wanting to stir them, muddy them, and cause an issue? If it’s the former, welcome, welcome! If it’s the latter, we still show love, but we take action to diffuse, to counsel if they are willing, but to make them aware this is a place of worship honoring the God of the Bible, not a place for political debate.
And here is my personal critique of the He Gets Us ads. When Jesus was with those needing salvation, did he love them and show compassion? Indeed, he did. But he did not provide a message that said, “I accept you as you are.” He loved them as they were, but his message was just like John the Baptists who paved his way, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” That message is universal, for each of us. We must repent of our sins (and we all have them). If the counselors of the He Gets Us ads provide this message, that is great, but it must be part of the message of the gospel.
Does Jesus get us? He does. He was tempted in all ways, but did not give in, remaining sinless (Heb. 4:15). He offers to cover us with his sinlessness IF we repent and follow him in faith (Gal. 3:26-29; Acts 2:36-40, etc.). This is a topic about identity crisis. Giving up ours and immersing ourselves in his.
Cross Point: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17)
Posted in Cross Points