Unless you actually have been living in a Louisiana swamp the past few years, you’re most likely aware of the gun totin’, ice tea drinkin’, camoflauge wearin’ family called the Robertsons.
They started out dirt poor, but now this humble little family from the Pelican State has taken a noisy little piece of wood and turned it into a multi-million dollar empire called Duck Commander.
And the days of outhouses and no electricity?
They gone…
Instead the Duck Dynasty folks drive tricked out Hummers and live in homes that nary a redneck ever dreamed possible.
But Hey! Some things about the Robertsons haven’t changed at all – because even in the bright lights of Hollywood and the allure of fame and fortune, the core of this clan remains as solid as a rock. Obviously they all still like to kill, clean, cook and consume pretty much any creature that calls Louisiana its home, and I’m pretty sure Uncle Si is the same philosophically adept person as he was back in ‘Nam when he “dressed up in sheepskin.”
And of course at the heart of America’s most gospel-centric family is just that:
The gospel!
These Jesus followers are on fire for the One who lived the life they should have lived and died the death they should have died. It is this simple truth that has transformed these seemingly simple (yet exceptionally wise) Southerners and transformed them into missionaries for THE Cause on an incredibly influential platform.
Here’s the way Jase expressed his worldview in a recent interview conducted at Oklahoma Christian University:
“When I first came to the Lord, my take was that living a Christian life was more about planned defense. So for about 2 years, I just basically tried to do good things. What I hadn’t realized is that if you’re vocal about your faith, the pressure is then put on the people that you’re sharing it with. It was then that I realized how powerful the message was.”
And by the way – have you realized how powerful the message is? The Apostle Paul (who I think might be enjoying Duck Dynasty episodes up in heaven) put it this way:
For I am not the least bit embarrassed about the gospel. I won’t shy away from it, because it is God’s power to save every person who believes (Romans 1:16, The Voice).
Many Christians live a godly and loving life, hoping that somehow and in some way people will take notice and ask what it is that makes them different, but what might really be going on is a bit of fear and embarrassment.
I know that’s been true of me, and you know what? I’ve tried to live a very godly and loving life for quite some time, and I can count on one hand the number of people who have asked what makes me different. (Actually the number is zero, which you can make with one hand…)
On the other hand, though, is this fact: The “defense” mentality Jase talked about is one of the primary reasons Christians are failing miserably in fulfilling the Great Commission. That’s why Paul calls the gospel “God’s power,” because when you share the good news of Jesus Christ, heavenly forces are released to convict people’s hearts and expose the truth about their spiritual condition. But when you shy away from sharing, it causes a power outage.
Interestingly, the word for “power” in that verse in the original Greek is dunamis – from which we get our word “dynamite.” The gospel is explosive and can blow away obstacles that keep people from knowing Jesus – but we have to light the fuse by opening our mouths!
That’s why the Apostle Paul also wrote this:
Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the gospel. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should (Ephesians 6:19-20, CEV).
Friends, if you truly want to be happy, happy, happy, then take a page from the Robertson playbook. They have been asked to tone down their Christian worldview so as not to “offend” viewers – instead they are fearlessly standing firm in their witness for Jesus and unwavering in their brave commitment to the gospel.
You may not be a star in a wildly popular reality show, but you are carrying around the dynamite of God that keeps people out of hell. Will you hide it out of fear or light the fuse like you’re blowing away a chunk of Louisiana swamp?
Hey! Get busy for Jesus!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Duck Dynasty is incredibly popular right now, and the Robersons have made it easy for us to share how we feel the same way about God as they do. Pray for God to not only open a door for you to share this week, but also to give you boldness for THE Cause of Christ!
Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause
Pray: Father, You have entrusted us with the good news of Jesus Christ, which is Your very power to save souls. May we never be embarrassed or shy about sharing Your life saving message with our friends who don’t know Jesus.
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:16. Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!
Get: Duck Dynasty‘s Willie Robertson Speaks About His Faith. Check out this short YouTube clip of Willie talking about sharing his faith with a friend and introducing them to Jesus!
Youth Leader’s Discussion Questions:
Big Idea:
The Robertson family is a great example of people who are bold for THE Cause and know that the gospel is the power of God.
Key Scripture:
Ephesians 6:19-20
ALT-ernative Questions:
- Who is your favorite character on Duck Dynasty? Why?
- Would you want to live with them? Why or why not?
- Why are we sometimes embarrassed about the gospel?
- In what ways could you apply this Soul Fuel to living for THE Cause of Christ?
