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Is Shia LaBeouf really a Christian? He announced recently that he is after making his recent film, Fury. Given all previous news reports about his personal life up to this point his breaking news that he is now a follower of Christ has everyone in shock and doubt.
There have been some people who have made judgmental comments as to whether Shia is a real Christian. You may be one of these people who have questioned the authenticity of his statements.
He recently did an interview in which he stated, “I could have just said the prayers that were on the page. But it was a real thing that really saved me. I didn’t just say the prayers on the page, I really meant them. During the movie. Which I was acting in.”
Honestly, it really isn’t up to us to determine if he really IS a Christian or not. The Lord knows the truth of his heart and that is all that matters. If we question if he really is a Christian then we are questioning whether God is really powerful enough to radically transform someone like Shia. I think about many testimonies I’ve heard from Christians who’s lives have been radically transformed similarly.
Sadly I’ve heard judgments before from my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ about how they view other self-proclaimed Christians. “She says she’s a Christian but looking at her facebook posts I doubt it”.
One thing about becoming a Christian is the realization in that we are all a mess. After all that is why we fall on our faces in a blessed defeat (as C.S. Lewis once said). We need Jesus to be saved and we need him in every moment of our life as we realize how weak we are on our own. Coming to Jesus is costly and messy.
We have this image in our minds that Christians can’t swear, smoke, drink, or that we are to listen only to Christian hymns. But the Lord isn’t demanding that we appear perfect in order for him to accept us. God doesn’t need for us to look perfect to the world, he wants us to have a real relationship with him. The Lord loves his children no matter how messed up they look to the world.
I think so many of us have forgotten how badly we need Jesus every single day. We fall victim to our addictions and afflictions sometimes without realizing the firm grips of the flesh. At times people looking at our messy lives question if we really are Christians when we fail to be perfect in their eyes. But the reality is that we are not perfect just like Shia LaBeouf is not perfect.
Whether he really is a Christian or not is between him and the Lord.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
You have the quote wrong. Here is what Shia said from Interview magazine.
I could have just said the prayers that were on the page. But it was a real thing that really saved me. And you can’t identify unless you’re really going through it. It’s a full-blown exchange of heart, a surrender of control.
The rest of it – During the movie. Which I was acting in. – was Laura Turners thoughts about what he said. She didn’t make it clear which parts were Shia’s quote and which parts were her belief on what he meant.
Sarah, I get your message.
And it’s a good one. It is not our place to judge whether one’s Christianity is genuine or not. The Facebook reference is a great example. I have thought those very thoughts myself at times. (and felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit) It’s a fine line we have to walk. I think we should attempt to tell others if their behavior/posts/ pictures/etc, may be harmful to the cause of Christ – those with whom we have a relationship When God puts it on our heart, WE are accountable to deliver the message IN LOVE – not in judgement. Sometimes people don’t even realize the potential damage until it is brought to their attention.
Only God knows the condition of the heart and Jesus is the one who can change it – not us.