A Test Of Faith-Carrie Prejean
Written By Beloved By Him
The Miss USA pageant was in its final event as Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009, faced the judges and prepared herself for her question on Saturday night. But did she have any idea that she was actually entering into a spiritual battle of great significance? The judge who presented the question, Perez Hilton, asked her if she thought that all the United States should follow Vermont’s example and legalize homosexual marriage. In response, while she did say that she was proud to live in a country that supported freedom of choice, she went on to assert that she believes that marriage should be between a man and woman, and that was the standard by which she was raised. The crowd roared, whether in support or disagreement, and Carrie, who seemed to be the front-runner, lost the competition and became first runner-up, partially due to the fact that Hilton apparently gave her a score of “zero” for her response. Hilton later went on to his weblog and, in an outrageous example of disrespect, called her by an obscene name and ranted against her personally. She was also criticized by people from both the Miss USA and Miss California pageants for not being supportive of gay marriage. Without question, Carrie paid a price for taking a stand for the righteousness of God.
Carrie will get much more than she paid for, however. Not just the negativity and criticism from those who hate God’s ways. Besides the outpouring of support from others who share her beliefs, and the opportunity to speak to various media sources and continue to talk about her faith, Carrie has also invested in the kingdom of God, which the Bible likens to a pearl of great price. Matthew 13 explains how her sacrifice is ultimately her reward:
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid, and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:44-46)
Carrie shared with Fox news that she believed that the Lord was testing her character and her faith. In her heart, Carrie knew that there was nothing, no title, no earthly crown, that could ever compare to her Lord and her place in His kingdom. She could have sold out her beliefs and given a more politically correct answer, and maybe she would have gone on to win. But as she told Matt Lauer on the Today show the following Tuesday morning, then she wouldn’t be there with him. She knows that she has been given an opportunity by her testimony to show that God, and her faith in Him, is more important to her than anything she might temporarily gain here on earth.
On a platform that was viewed by millions of people, Carrie Prejean showed the world an example of a woman who is beautiful not just because she is pretty and poised, but because she is strong and fearless, gentle and wise. She may be attacked by those who would see God’s laws trampled underfoot, but their words will not stand—His will. Instead, because of God’s faithfulness to use for good what the enemy means for harm, Carrie and her testimony are like the kingdom she represents—a priceless pearl.
“All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Is. 40:6-8)
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“I learned that God has a crown bigger than any man can give you.”—Carrie Prejean, Miss California
When her story surfaced, I was immediately moved to defend her as an example of the boldness that all Christian women should emulate. But sadly, even as she has spent the last weeks sharing her faith in different media venues and advocating Christian marriage, what has also surfaced are certain questions about her integrity and behavior. Some of her actions have cast a shadow over a testimony that should have been shining with a pure light. The conflict stems from two recent revelations: That she received breast implants prior to the Miss USA pageant, and that at 17, she had posed topless for modeling photos. These choices have compromised not her eternal position as a daughter of the King, but her newfound stature as a pillar of faith in a fallen world.
It’s a terrible thing to be in a position where you are being used mightily by God, only to be robbed of that joy as your enemies war against you with the ammunition you yourself have supplied. She is learning the hard way that God is not mocked (Gal. 6:7). He will not allow false representations of Himself to stand. When Carrie chose to get implants, she made a decision to allow what should be private and protected to become public and pleasing to men, which is always a mistake (Gal. 1:10) Christian women are called to be content with what we have and how we are created, not make our bodies into idols to be used for our personal gain (Ps. 139:14 , Heb. 13:5).
An appeal for Godly marriage cannot be made without an acknowledgement of the premarital purity it requires, including dress and behavior. Strutting for an audience in high heels and a bikini, and being photographed in a compromising position in order to enhance a career, are simply not honorable actions. At 17, she may have been influenced by others around her who were more interested in using her looks than protecting her innocence. The effects of those experiences may have played a part in her decision to get the implants. But as an adult, and especially as a Christian, she was responsible to make a scripturally and spiritually sound decision. She also needed to consider her duty to the young women and girls who would inevitably look up to her and follow her example. I Timothy 4:12 talks about what that should look like: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” She may speak the truth, but her actions are speaking a lot louder. They cause the truth of her message to be lost in a storm of accusation and criticism from those who want any reason to discredit and shame her into silence.
The Lord can still use Carrie to speak out for Him, because now, not only can she continue to speak out for Godly marriage, but she also has the opportunity to humble herself and become an advocate for modesty and purity. Hopefully, Carrie will reconsider the implications of some of her choices, and the effect they have on her testimony and her legacy. My sincere desire is that Christian women everywhere are reminded that we need to be careful how we present ourselves if we’re going to represent Jesus Christ. We have to be careful not to walk the thin line of compromise. Oftentimes, when we do, we can find ourselves serving an entirely different master, where our wages are paid with the destruction of our integrity. Romans 6:16 states, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Carrie Prejean has learned the hard way that no one can serve two masters (Luke 16:13). Thankfully, God’s mercy triumphs over judgment, and what the enemy intends for evil, God will use for good. Please pray for her as she walks the difficult road ahead. She may be cast down, but she’s not conquered (II Cor. 7:7-9). Her true crowns, those of glory and righteousness that will be given to those who persevere, are still to come.
I was also impressed with Ms. Prejean’s response before the Miss USA audience.
As more details of other decisions she has made surface now, I’m not as sure now that she such a sterling example of Christianity.
The seductive poses that have surfaced and the confirmed fact that she had breast implants done specially for the USA pageant…all this really sends a mixed message. If gay marriage is against God’s design and impure, what about having fake boobs?
Dear Karen,
We were really moved by Carrie Prejean’s testimony, and we’re glad to see that our readers are, too. It reminds all of us that when we take a stand for the gospel, “our labor is not in vain (I Cor. 15:58). Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with us, and we hope you have a blessed day full of the joy of our Lord Jesus.
Wow, this is the first I’ve heard of this. What a great witness for Christ this girl now is. How interesting that she has gotten more interviews on shows because of her taking a stand for what she truly believes, even when it isn’t “politically correct.” I’m so glad I found this.
Many thanks and glory be to God. We are just His willing handmaidens called to serve Him and all of you.
Thanks for your comment Anonymous and may God’s blessing and peace come upon you and your family.
hello from a tiny island called Malta
Well done for the sterling work you do ladies.
Carrie Prejean gave a great example to many people around the world and i’m sure she will be rewarded for standing up for what she believed in despite knowing that she would loose the title.