Did Taylor Swift Go Biblical?

I’ve been bouncing around singing, “haters gonna hate, hate, hate…” 

And I must admit my dishes get washed faster when my ipod has it on repeat.

Anyone else find their feet twitching to Ms. Swift’s latest release?  

Catchy, yes, biblical—well, let’s find out.

Jesus looks at his disciples and says, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man,” Luke 6:22 niv.

Huh, so haters are really gonna hate.

But…

See Jesus specifies something that the peppy song doesn’t mention. Jump back to the word because.

Why will people hate? Not because you were out too late. Not because you have nothing in your brain. True, people may make fun of you for all sorts of things, after all we live in a world full of sinners. However, it’s important to never take scripture out of context. Jesus is talking about a detailed reason of why people will give us a hard time in life.  Why? BECAUSE we are one of His. Because we follow Him. Because this world isn’t our home.

If the world hated Jesus, don’t you think it’s a no-brainer that it’s not going to roll out the welcoming mat for His followers. (Plus John 15:19-20 says so.)

So, did Taylor Swift go biblical? Unfortunately, no.

But…

Have you seen the music video to this song? I find it hilarious! And to be honest I would have loved to have been in that video, to pretend to dance or try to have danced or something. Just go watch and you’ll understand.

But she’s right. We’re not to miss a beat.

Jesus tells us to, “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy.” Luke 6:23 niv.

So, the world disses us for believing in Jesus and He wants us to: rejoice and leap for joy.  

When someone drags me through the mud, I don’t hardly want to do what Taylor suggests and shake it off, let alone rejoice and be joyful.

So maybe it won’t happen to me or you, right? Maybe we can lay low and not worry about being ready to leap? ERCK! WRONG!

Jesus says in John 16:33, “you will have trouble.”

Fine, so there’s no skipping out of the problems or persecution.

So why is it worth it? When I’m rejected or persecuted or made fun of for following Jesus, why do I have to leap and rejoice?

Because Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33 (AMP)

Because I know what happens at the end of the world. Jesus wins.

Life is full of things that suck! We aren’t immune to the bad stuff . In fact we have to take to heart when haters hate us. The country/pop star does has a point. It is good to shake the things off from this world. But I believe it would be better to leap and rejoice. After all, that is biblical.

“All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved,”  Matthew 10:22 niv.

Jesus spoke those words to His disciples shortly before He sent them out in to the world. The first part is well, not fun, however, if we stand firm, then everything we endure will be worth it.

I recommend listening to Anthem Lights’ Cover for Taylor Swift’s song: “Shake it off.”

In their version there is no cursing or using of the Lord’s name in vain. Check their version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6NngBzQ4X0

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing
www.meganbesing.com
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
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