It is a common thing to think that famous artists prioritize their careers more than their religion or faith. This is why it is refreshing to hear world famous artists talk about their faith and how important God is in their lives. Their stories are inspiring. To be able to profess their faith in an industry where morality and righteousness so often take the back seat is, indeed, inspiring. Let's meet these Christian artists you may not know about.
1. Kanye West
It may come as a surprise, but Kanye West is a Christian. Despite his confusing antics, this man is a believer and a follower. He has said it a couple of times in the past, the first time was in 2013 in an interview with his mother-in-law Kris Jenner. "I'm a Christian," he confesses. He continued to explain how important his walk with God is important for his family. In 2016, he also tweeted "My number one enemy has been my ego... there is only one throne and that's God's..." His Twitter account has been deactivated since 2017. Watch his interview here:
2. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is one of the most popular artists out there. Recently, she underwent a kidney transplant with the help of her best friend and it saved her life. She has always been outspoken about her beliefs. She knows that she has a huge platform, and she has used it to reach young girls who are depressed and other people who need help. In 2017, at the Hillsong Conference in Los Angeles, Gomez gave her testimonial about her journey with God.
Selena, you are enough! Not because you've tried hard, not because you have loved hard or put on your best face. Not because you have been given a large platform and not because others tell you you are enough. You are enough because you are a child of God who has been pursued from the very beginning. You are enough because His grace has saved you and covered you," said Gomez.
3. Ryan Tedder
Ryan Tedder is the lead singer of the band OneRepublic. He is also a songwriter, penning songs like "Halo," "Rumor Has It," and "Bleeding Love." Tedder's family is Christian, his uncle is a famous worship leader. However, Tedder didn't take the Christian artist route despite being offered a record deal. In an interview with Chron in 2008, he spoke very honestly about why:
I got offered a Christian record deal. I'm Christian, I grew up in the church. But I'm not going to tour churches. I was raised in Oklahoma. Tulsa's like the buckle of the Bible Belt. I grew up in that environment. I was in Nashville for two years, (and) I quickly became friends with probably half a dozen of some of the biggest Christian recording artists. Every single one of them was absolutely miserable with the fact that they were "Christian" recording artists. I saw some stuff in Nashville that turned my stomach. Some of the most pretentious, insecure people I ever met were Christian recording artists.
Well, he was able to touch people's hearts with his talent. He is famous without compromising his values and beliefs. Check out his interview here where he talked about his faith and decision to go mainstream.
4. Jessie J
In 2013, Jessie J shared with the world her Christian faith. In the interview with The Mirror, she explained that her faith wasn't something she liked talking about then. But since her new single was out then, which was "Thunder," she explained that it was a song to the Lord. In the interview, she said she gave up partying and turned to praying instead.
"I remember I prayed a lot when I worked on this album and it's not something I've ever spoken about openly. But I'm just more confident and feel more comfortable to be open about my beliefs and feelings on the world now. I thank God every day for my blessings and my talent," she explained.
5. Kendrick Lamar
Rapper Kendrick Lamar may be the hottest rapper in the world right now, but there's one more thing to admire about him – he is a Christian. In a letter he sent to DJ Booth back in 2017, he explained how he expresses God in his own way. He said "I feel it's my calling to share the joy of God, but with exclamation, more so, the FEAR OF GOD."
"I love when artists sing about what makes Him happy. My balance is to tell you what will make Him extinguish you. Personally, once that idea of real fear registered in my mind, it made me try harder at choosing my battles wisely. Which will forever be tough, because I'm still of flesh. I wanna spread this truth to my listeners. It's a journey, but it will be my key to the Kingdom. And theirs as well. I briefly touched on it in this album, but when he tells me to react, I will take deeper action," Lamar continued.
Even the lyrics to his song "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City" talks about God. "Lord God, I come to you a sinner, and I humbly repent for my sins. I believe that Jesus is Lord. I believe that you raised Him from the dead. I will ask that Jesus will come into my life and be my Lord and Saviour. I receive Jesus to take control of my life that I may live for Him from this day forth. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me with your precious blood. In Jesus' name, Amen."
One should never judge a book by its cover. Not everyone who is living the rich and famous lifestyle has given up on their faith and succumbed to the evil that is money. There are people out there who just really do what they're passionate about and blessed enough to earn money because of it. Let these people be an inspiration to use their gifts wisely and use their platform as a way to spread God's word.
