DEVOTED: Elissa Emoto

By Elissa Emoto | Communication studies major

In a 2011 Barna Group Study of Religious Change, researchers found that about four out of five Americans consider themselves to be Christians.  However, over the past two decades those same people have been redefining the core practices and beliefs of Christianity to fit into modern America.  This revamping of the Christian faith leaves genuine believers with a pivotal challenge: Saying ‘no’ to things of this world in order to live rightly and faithfully according to God’s standards.

Today, news headlines all over America are proclaiming tragic examples of how this challenge is tough.

The speculation around Whitney Houston’s sudden death raised many concerns and questions about the beloved singer’s lifestyle. Earlier on in her career she professed to be a born-again Christian, but in 2009 she admitted in an interview with Oprah to having a drug addiction that spurred from her marriage with singer, Bobby Brown.  According to the Christian Post, Houston was raised Baptist, attended a Catholic girls high school and was a regular performer in the gospel choir at her childhood church.

Whitney Houston, was laid to rest Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, according to ABC News. There is no doubt that Houston, the winner of six Grammys, was adored for her unparalleled voice.  Throughout her career she consistently mentioned her faith, but now more than ever her commitment is being questioned.

However, the question should not be whether or not Houston was a Christian, but rather how could she have surrendered her struggles or addictions to God?  With so many people claiming to know God, how are their actions reflecting Christ’s image?

In Romans 12: 2 the Bible says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse displays an incredible privilege for those who follow Christ: not having to participate in destructive habits in order to be filled because the greatest renewal comes from God alone.

Yet how can Christians avoid these pitfalls? One answer is to be surrounded by people who will encourage your faith and hold you accountable in temptation. When Houston admitted to drug abuse she made it clear that her ex-husband, Brown, was the catalyst for her addiction. But how are people in the Church attempting to help their brothers and sisters who are struggling?

In Hebrews 12:1 it says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

This verse in its full context speaks of having endurance as we face the struggles of sin and also asks us to keep Jesus in mind as we face our challenges.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart,” says Hebrews 12:3.

The trials are great, but it is important to ask ourselves as Christians how we are building up those around us and supporting each other in sinful temptation.

As for now, I’ll leave you to ponder these questions and a little song by Houston herself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QaI-M9sxW4