Motive Check: Navigating Conviction, Controversy, and Christ

In this timely and biblical episode of Crazy Unbelievable Faith, Brian and Kersha tackle a topic dominating Christian social media: the "controversy" between Forrest Frank and Jelly Roll. They break down the conversation surrounding Forrest's personal conviction not to accept awards for his music. This isn't just about picking sides; it's a deep dive into what the Bible says about our motives, personal convictions, and serving God in the public eye. Brian and Kersha use this cultural moment as a "motive check," inspired by John Maxwell and Matthew 6. They explore the tension between being "in the world but not of it," why one person's conviction isn't a rule for everyone, and how God uses different people with different stories—like Forrest and Jelly—to reach His kingdom. From the challenge of "treasures on earth" to the biblical call to give in secret, this episode is a blueprint for navigating public disagreements with grace. It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to understand their own convictions or how to apply biblical wisdom to modern-day debates. This is a powerful reminder to stay rooted in Christ and let Him be the guide.

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🔥 What You’ll Learn:

• The Biblical "Motive Check": Learn why leaders must do the right thing for the right reason, inspired by John Maxwell and Matthew 6.

• Conviction vs. Condemnation: Understand the crucial difference between a personal conviction (like Forrest Frank's) and a universal biblical command.

• Trophies vs. Treasures: Unpack the Matthew 6 call to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth (and what good is a "piece of metal").

• The "Left Hand, Right Hand" Rule: Explore the biblical mandate (Matthew 6:3-4) to give in secret and why Forrest's answer on money was biblically sound.

• Provision for the Work: Discuss how accepting money for God-given talents (like music) aligns with God's provision (Philippians 4:19) and the call for men to work.

• One Goal, Many Paths: Discover why God uses different people with different methods (like Forrest and Jelly Roll) to achieve the same goal: bringing people to Christ.

• Stay on the Narrow Path: Get encouragement to stay true to your convictions (Matthew 7:13) without judging others' paths.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

• Kersha: "We're going to keep it very biblical... I don't think either one of them are wrong."

• Brian (quoting his pastor): "We're all saints who are sinners."

• John Maxwell (quoted by hosts): "Leaders must do the right thing for the right reason."

• Forrest Frank (from clip): "I feel a conviction... I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus."

• Forrest Frank (from clip): "Your left hand isn't supposed to know from your right hand... y'all are never gonna know that because that's my relationship with Jesus."

• Kersha: "If you stay rooted in Christ, if it's not good, he's not done."

• Kersha: "Stay true to your convictions. Don't wander from the narrow path."

🛑 Reflect + Apply: Questions to Ask Yourself

• When you make decisions, what is your true motive? Are you doing things for "image sake" or for God's approval?

• Think of a personal conviction God has given you. How do you stay true to it without imposing it as a rule on others?

• When you see Christians disagree publicly (like in this debate), is your first instinct to judge one side or to seek biblical understanding?

• Where in your life are you chasing "treasures on earth" (a promotion, recognition, a "trophy") instead of "treasures in heaven"?

• Are you letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing? How can you practice the discipline of giving in secret?

• In what area of your life do you need to stop comparing your "narrow path" to someone else's and simply "stay true to your convictions"?

Scripture Focus:

This episode is a practical application of key biblical principles, including:

• Motive & Giving (Matthew 6:1-4): The core of the "motive check" and the call not to practice righteousness (or giving) "in front of others, to be seen by them."

• Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21): The principle behind Forrest's conviction—not laying up "treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy."

• God's Provision (Philippians 4:19): The explanation for why accepting money for work is biblical: "And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches..."

• The Narrow Path (Matthew 7:13): The final encouragement to "Stay true to your convictions" by following the specific path God has for you.

🙌 Join the Movement

If you have ever felt caught in a public debate, struggled with a personal conviction, or felt confused by "Christian controversy," this episode is for you. Brian and Kersha’s breakdown is a practical and inspiring call to anchor every cultural moment in the Bible. This is a challenge to check your own motives, stop judging others' paths, and seek God first in all things. Your journey of faith is about your conviction and obedience, not comparing your walk to someone else's.

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📩 Got questions or want to connect? Brian and Kersha would love to hear from you.

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