rihanna teaches us to be salty!

Immediately after Rihanna’s interview on ABC’s 20/20 last month, dating abuse hotlines rang off the hook. Calls to the National Domestic Violence crisis line went up 59 percent and teen helplines went up by 73 percent. Her story inspired so many young ladies to reach out from their carefully hidden bruises and plead for help. Although Rhianna reunited with Chris Brown shortly after he attacked her, she eventually walked away from the relationship. And she says her decision was profoundly sparked by the impact she had on her fans.

“When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result into some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part. I couldn’t be responsible,” Rhianna told Diane Sawyer. “If Chris never hit me again, who’s to say their boyfriend won’t?”

Rihanna’s final decision was not only unselfish, but it was a perfect example of how living a responsible life can inspire others to do the same. And for those who believe in Christ, this principle is significant. Sometimes we all can inadvertently become role models, whether it is towards a younger brother or sister who closely watches what we wear and do, or a friend who is curious about our relationship with God but still doesn’t quite understand the gospel.

You can find Rihanna’s daring hairstyles in high schools across the country and hear her voice on car stereos everywhere. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that young and older ladies imitated her decision to get out of an abusive and potentially deadly relationship.  And one can wonder how many look to us? We Christians are supposed to be the salt of the earth. And according to the book of Matthew, if we lose our flavor, who will the world look to as an example?

“..You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

We have a responsibility to be a Godly example that inspires others to want and obtain the best life possible.

How many times have we judged others in front of our children, cheated a waitress out of a tip on a lunch date with friends, or grew angry in front of strangers because a line was too long? We must continue to compare our lives to the Word and adjust in the areas that do not reflect love.

“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors…they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” (1 Peter 2:12 NLT)

Rihanna found the strength to rid her own selfishness so that others may benefit. She even possibly saved a life. And if we continue to deny our selfishness, we can possibly lead those closest to us to salvation. With one decision, Rhianna gave hope and encouragement to people everywhere. In our daily walk with Lord, do we?