Too Much, Too Soon?

Jeremy has a valuable post on the wisdom of putting new Christians, who happen to be famous, out in front of people too soon. This is spurred by the conversion of Brian Welch, the (now former) guitarist for Korn. MTV was one of several media concerns who were covering his talk to 10,000 people at a California church. Now don't get me wrong, the issue is not that of "is he really saved," it's a question on the wisdom of putting someone who is newly saved out in front of 10,000 people. One of the things that Welch is used to is his celebrity status. As a new convert, I'm asking if its wise to continue the celebrity status immediately. The Apostle Paul took three years away before returning to the public eye. The MTV article had one quote that really stood out to me as a concern. The pastor of the church that Welch is attending said, "I'm tripping out a little bit, but it's cool. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me." The focus, it seems to me is a little bit off. Perhaps its the best thing he's ever seen God do, but it shouldn't be about the pastor (or the rock star, for that matter) at all. We've got an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Wisdom says that if you find a huge diamond, you don't parade it in front of the person most likely to steal it from you, you hide it away until it's secure. This is a story to watch, and pray that it doesn't go the way of BJ Thomas or Bob Dylan.