Phil Robertson, known as the “Duck Commander” from A&E’s hit show Duck Dynasty , caused controversy by issuing a statement against homosexuality; Duck Dynasty Fans and others who support freedom of speech came out in support of Phil while many around the country wondered if the family would continue to film without their beloved “Duck Commander.”
Most Duck Dynasty fans expressed the opinion that, because the Robertson Family is close knit, it will stick by Phil even if that means an end to filming, but are DD fans missing the point?
Today, I am taking a break from Christmas writing to address the issue taking up so much of America’s time. I think many Duck Dynasty fans and critics are missing the point and have not understood the real, internal question the Robertson family must be facing.
According to a USA Today piece, the Robertson Family issued the following statement:
The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible.
This expresses the core of what the Robertson Family is facing and the family’s ability to handle strife in the manner the Lord wants us to – through prayer. God does not promise an easy life for His followers; on the contrary, He promises challenges.
It is not a matter of whether or not the Robertson Family will stand by Phil Robertson. It is a matter of whether the Robertson Family will stand by God and the Bible or if it will turn toward the fame and fortune offered by A&E. Phil Robertson is a sidebar – no offense, Sir. 😉
The Bible tells us, “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matt 6:24)
What A&E is really asking the Robertson Family to do is to deny its beliefs. A&E is demanding the family turn their backs on Phil as a cover for turning their backs on the Biblical teaching that homosexuality is a sin. The network is looking for a way to save face with Christians (by keeping the show) and the GLBT community (by canceling Phil).
And that leaves the Robertson Family with a tough decision, one that is less about supporting Phil Robertson and more about supporting the Bible.
Many of us say we would stand by Phil. While it may be an easy call to make hiding among the cattails, when up close to such decisions ourselves, our vision gets blurry and it is easy to lose the big picture.
Prayer is the only way to handle these questions. While none of us knows what the family will decide (They themselves may not even know yet), God does know, and He has a plan for whatever the outcome is.
The controversy this family is facing shows how the devil will twist what we try to say to hurt others and why it is so important to wrap our Words in Love.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you lead the Robertson Family to find a way to support Phil and follow the teachings of the Bible, to find the strength to stand up and not be swayed by the earthly wealth presented by this world, and that you grant them the Wisdom to find a loving solution to draw more believers to the Love you hold for all your sinful children. ~ Amen
God Bless…