Jelly Role: His Grammy speech sparks debate among Christians

Jelly Roll: His Grammy testimony has people taking

I appreciate those like Jelly Roll who had a life-changing experience and gave their lives to Christ. His testimony has people excited for him and also sparked controversy.

Some of us began our Christian journey early and cannot relate to those who had an epiphany later in life. I recall Sunday school while in kindergarten.

When I was eight, my grandmother said it was time to join the church. I instinctively understood that she was saying I was old enough to make the decision to become a part of the body of Christ, not get my name on the role of our local church.

I hear many adults today say they did not know what they were doing when they were baptized as children. Some have been re-baptized as adults.

My cousins and I understood the Christian concept of heaven and hell. There were six of us in 1966 who were baptized together. Not one of us has questioned our faith or turned away in 60 years as of this writing.

Youtful conversions have consequences

I recall the Sunday after our baptism when the entire church shook our hands. Everyone was crying except me. At that young age of eight, I asked the Lord why I was not crying and if I were really saved or going to hell.

I had several conversations with fellow believers after Jelly Roll's Grammy acceptance speech, where he thanked Jesus for saving him from dying. One young man pointed out that the world loves such testimonies but can look harshly on those of us who have served God all of our lives.

He said the attitude comes across as if we are goody two-shoes who think we are holier than others, but that may not always be true 100% of the time for everyone.

Those of us who grew up attending Sunday school and participating in church services and programs at times feel slighted and misunderstood. We have been judged harshly, and when so much emphasis is placed on those who did not share our journey, it can sting.

Are long-time believers undevalued?

Society loves a good turnaround story, but rarely do you hear anyone complimented for walking with the Lord practically all of their lives. I told my young friend this situation reminded me of how my grandmother constantly talked about my daughter, who married and moved to Germany.

There I was caring for her, taking her to the doctor, doing her cooking, laundry, shopping, and house cleaning, but all she ever talked about to me, and her friends, was her granddaughter.

When I pointed this out, she said that she always had me with her but missed her great-granddaughter. I felt unappreciated, and the Jelly Roll conversation reminded me of the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), who was celebrated with a feast when he returned home.

He squandered his inheritance and ended up broke. His brother, who had remained and assisted their father, felt slighted. The father answered similarly to what my grandmother had said. He told his faithful son that it was fitting to celebrate his brother, who was lost but now was found.

It was natural for my grandma to miss her grandchild, who had moved around the world, but it led to my feeling unappreciated. The answer for those of us who have served the Lord since childhood was given by Jesus in Luke 7:7.

" I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

There is a heavenly reward

There will be more rejoicing over sinners who choose the Lord than for those who have always served him. In families, those who went astray and return may receive more attention than those who did their best to live right.

If you find yourself in such a situation, do your best to take the high road. Try to remain mature and not take it personally. Rejoice that a sinner was saved and be happy for those like Jelly Roll. Also, be assured that if no one on this earth appreciates your faith walk, there will be a great reward in heaven.