"In light of this evening's events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our differences peacefully." - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸
Too many people want Jesus to save them so they can go to Heaven, while also wanting to remain in control of their own life.
But, real salvation doesn't work like that. When Jesus saves your life, He also takes control of your life.
He is both Savior and Lord.
Immediate thoughts on Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Read through all of the lyrics of the 12 songs. 8 of them carry an “Explicit warning”.
First of all, it doesn’t carry as much of the dark undertones as The Tortured Poets Department did. (Maybe, because she found love, so she feels happier.)
However, The Life of a Showgirl paints a picture of womanhood being shaped by performance, fame, self-definition, sensuality, sexuality, fane, and embracing your emotional instability.
Yes, I know it’s not supposed to be a “Christian album”, and music is entertainment. I’m not even the “only-Christian music” guy either. But, I also know words have meaning and what we consume will often shape how we think, feel, and live. Also, as Christian parents, we have a duty to disciple our kids in what is true, lovely, and holy; and, to pay attention what we’re exposing our kids to.
Ultimately, T-Swift isn’t just selling songs. She’s selling a worldview: identity is self-created, love is ultimate but often fleeting, self-expression is sacred, critics are enemies, and the stage is the throne.
Here are several things that came to mind while reading the lyrics:
1. Identity Rooted in Self-Expression, Not in God.
The album celebrates a self-made, constantly-shifting identity that is defined by image, sexuality, applause, and high emotions. But Scripture teaches that true identity isn’t something we perform into existence, but something received from God.
The “showgirl” persona may be empowering for a moment, but it is ultimately exhausting, because self-worship always leads to burnout.
2. Love Presented as Ultimate.
Much of this album frames love as the highest form of salvation, yet simultaneously portrays it as fragile, unfaithful, and wounding. The result is emotional chaos elevated as truth.
But Christianity offers a love that is not fickle or dependent on feelings. Real love comes from Christ alone.
3. Sexuality Without Sacredness
Like much of modern pop culture, the album treats sensuality as power and liberation. But in Scripture, sexuality is not a tool for validation or dominance, it’s a sacred covenant expression meant to reflect Christ’s love within a marriage between a man and a woman.
Biblical love doesn’t lead to repression, but reverence.
4. Glory Without God
The “showgirl” life is about lights, adoration, and self-exaltation. But the Christian life is about humility, holiness, and pointing glory back to God.
The Life of a Showgirl is an honest portrayal of the modern “self-help and self-love” movement.
It shows us the hunger of humanity. But only Jesus satisfies it.
Ultimately, we don’t need a generation of “showgirls” or even “showboys”. We a need generation that realizes their ultimate identity is being a daughter and son of the King.
I joined my friend Sheila Walsh on @TBN to reflect on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Evil had a beginning and God's Word promises evil will have an end. @SheilaWalsh