The Taylor Swift Effect: Role Model Success
Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
For to this, you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.
1 Peter 2:1 (ESV)
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8:29 (ESV)
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His Image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works…
Titus 2:7 (ESV)
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Let me hit this point emphatically: Taylor is a model. YOU must be, too.
“I’ve struggled with a lot of things, but the idea that you’re living your life and it’s impacting other people, some of whom are very young, some of whom are in their most impressionable times and they’re discovering the music that tells them how they are going to live their lives and how they should feel and how it’s acceptable to feel… I’m trying to live my life with some sort of thoughtfulness put into my actions” (Taylor Swift).
You’ve not met Shine’s founder: my ground-breaking, fashion-model mother, Millie Lewis. In the midst of her NYC success, she met my dad, married, and moved back home. Her beauty, brains, and charm brought local fans, so she opened a school and agency, so some could take their talent national. She frequently said to her rising stars:
“Every time you walk out of your front door, you’re on stage.”
The Word said it first, so let’s be aware. Every Christian on Earth is a model!
We’re either modeling Christ truthfully, imitating His acts as best we can (and admitting it when we miss the mark)...
Or we’re modeling Christ untruthfully, misrepresenting His love and His life (while assuming “holier than thou” airs).
Is Taylor a positive role model? Yes. The best? No. Only Christ is perfect.
SIDEBAR: Research shows she started as a Christian: not “preaching” but certainly believing. It also shows “Christians” found fault with her and criticized in ways she thought cruel (which is why so many youth walk away.)
2nd SIDEBAR: I hate it when Christian hate on people, whether it’s outsiders or straying saints. It’s certainly NOT how Jesus acted.
As performers (and publicly Christian), who aren’t judging, hating or brow-beating…
You CAN model the fruits of the Spirit, which are appreciated EVERYWHERE. In doing so, you’re fulfilling your roles as Christ’s role models and ambassadors.
The Taylor Swift Effect: Role Model (Part 17)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
LINKS, NOTES & THINGS TO CONSIDER
18 Reasons Taylor Swift Is Still a Great Role Model for Your Kids
Taylor Swift TIME Cover: Spotify, Role Models and The Knicks
Jason Kelce Says 'Immensely Talented' Taylor Swift Is an 'Unbelievable Role Model for Young Women'