Justin Bieber, Coachella, and Trying Again
So, I’m not one of those people who believe Christians should be completely out of the world - and not in the real world. Everyone has their own convictions, but I am someone who is deeply passionate about reaching those who don’t know Jesus for Jesus. How can I do that if I’m only surrounded by Christians and a bubble?
The Bible says:
“I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
- John 17: 15 - 17
In this, Jesus is making it clear that He wants us safe and protected - but we are to be in the world. Earth was never meant to be our home. It’s a place where we find Him, lead others to Him, and leave to join Him.
I’m prefacing all of this to say that I engage with the world. I engage with the pop culture topics of the day, news headlines, politics, and entertainment. While I remain guarded in what I entertain, I stay up to date so I can have conversations that point back to the Gospel and Jesus’ redemption of lives.
One story that has stuck out to me recently is Justin Bieber. He headlined at Coachella 2026. I’ve heard so many powerful things about this and heard many things over the years about him. My first introduction to him was an innocent boy singing “Baby” while still young. Over the years, I’ve followed his journey and watched as he was publicly judged for failing morally - when thrust in a spotlight so young.
I’ve seen the speculations of the P. Diddy trial and that he may have been a young man molested and abused by the men who took him under his wings and helped make him famous. The sad thing is - we don’t know if those things are true or not. Imagine if you have been abused and the whole world is speculating about some of your most traumatic moments - while also, technically, paying for them because those are your bosses getting your paycheck. Justin Bieber’s story has definitely made me see the downside of fame. His song “Lonely” would be a prime example of that.
If you don’t know who he is, now you know a little of his story. Part of Justin’s story is saying he found Jesus as an adult and has tried to turn his life around. I can’t truly judge whether he is a Christian or not - he’s a stranger to me. My prayer is that he has found Jesus and that God surrounds him with the right kind of people, however.
The point of all of this back story is Bieber’s big moment at Coachella. I watched clips and I was impressed. While I don’t know him, he seemed the closest to being back to himself that I had witnessed in years. My impression was the he appeared (on the outside) to be happy doing what he loved. A back story that I can’t confirm is that he had lost all his money and sold the rights to his songs. Instead of performing and the people who owned them getting royalties, he watched his own stories on a large screen while singing with the audience. All the people who bought his voice didn’t get a penny. I can’t confirm this story - but what a powerful lesson we can all learn from.
When you are called to something, the devil will do anything to steal your voice. It is incredibly obvious that Justin Bieber has a talent and gift for performing and singing. He’s been attacked on a worldwide level - and personally - for choosing to show up real and flawed with his gift. A man who has all of these rumors floating around about him has chosen to get back up on a stage and enjoy the gift God has given him. That, my friends, is where you can find the Gospel.
This is why Jesus was praying for protection from evil and to stand firm. What would you do if the world, literally, attacked you like they did Justin Bieber for the very thing you are called to? What would you do if you fell flat on your face using your gifts while young? The very thing that the devil attacks the most is the thing God has gifted you the most. Stand strong, stand firm, get back up - and don’t let anyone stop you from doing the very things God has called you to.
“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
- Luke 22:32