Some of the most recognizable Christians today aren’t clergy or missionaries. They are the Robertsons from Duck Dynasty. Their program is the most popular “reality” show on television. The program isn’t overtly “Christian.” In fact, the principal christian aspect of it is that each episode ends with the extended family saying a plain spoken grace over a meal. Outside of the program, the family members in interviews and books have made it clear they are Christians and proud of it.
I’m not sure how I feel about that. The bearded leaders of the family look more like mountain men. In fact, one was escorted from a Trump hotel after being mistaken for a homeless person. He told the press later that he was the victim of “facial profiling.” The show is very funny. The family has a business making duck calls which has made them quite wealthy. The program has added to that with books, tshirts, etc.
The public seems to accept this usual group as “Christians” for a couple of reasons. First they aren’t obnoxious about their faith. I also believe that the general public has begun to think of Christians as a bit weird. This group certainly qualifies as weird. The show often has scenes from the warehouse base of their business. The entire family seems to be in the business but they never really seem to be working. They seem more interested in hunting than working, but I guess that’s not unusual for most residents of West Monroe.
The program is likeable because all the characters seem remarkably comfortable in their own skins. They know who they are and aren’t ashamed of it. There is a lesson there for the rest of us. Those of us who are slow to profess our Christianity or even slow to claim it have that attitude for a variety of reasons. Most of it is based on fear. We don’t think we are “good enough” to be known as Christians. We want to wait until we are good enough or until we have done something to be proud of as Christians.
The Robertsons are happy with who they are and don’t care who knows it. As one of the family is fond of saying they are “Happy Happy Happy.” They clearly love each other and, after all, that’s how Jesus said we would be recognized.
Before you get your own television show, or make a fortune selling some unlikely item, don’t be ashamed of who you are: a weird little child of God. That’s not a bad thing at all.
Be blessed.
Nick
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