“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:21
I’ve been thinking about that verse lately—partly because of a small controversy that recently made its way through Christian music. “Controversy” might be too strong of a word, but at the very least, this certainly sparked an interesting conversation.
Truth be told, I intentionally waited a few weeks to post any comments about this debate, mostly because I wanted to let the noise fade away before adding more to it. After all, Jesus said that the world would know His followers by their love for one another—in other words, by their unity.
So, rather than add to the hoopla, today I simply want to offer what I hope will be a fruitful thought exercise.
The Context
Each year, the Gospel Music Association hosts the Dove Awards—the Christian music equivalent of the Grammys. This year marked their 56th annual celebration. But what made headlines wasn’t the performances or the winners, it was an exchange between two of the artists who were nominated: Forrest Frank and Jelly Roll.
Forrest Frank, one of the most popular Christian artists today, chose not to attend the ceremony in Nashville. Even though he was both nominated and later announced as a winner, he stayed home out of personal conviction. Forrest said he didn’t need awards to affirm what he was doing for the Lord, nor did he want that to be his aim.
In contrast, Jelly Roll—most famous for being a country artist, but who also has collaborated on several Christian songs—did choose to attend the show. He also performed in the musical lineup. Afterward, Jelly publicly asked a question on X/Twitter that many others were thinking as well:
If Forrest Frank is okay with earning money for his music, then why will he not accept an award for it? (my paraphrase)
Two men. Two convictions. Both claiming to honor God. So what do we make of that?
Below is my attempt to “strong man”—to support—both sides of this well-spirited argument.
The Case for Forrest
When I hear Forrest Frank’s reasoning, I’m reminded of a scene in John 12, where Jesus speaks about the Pharisees who “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43). It’s a very human thing to crave recognition—even recognition for spiritual things—and forget who we’re truly serving.
Forrest’s decision not to attend the Dove Awards seems to stem from this very conviction. He didn’t want to seek the approval of men; he wanted his “audience of one” to be enough.
Jesus also spoke of this dilemma in the Sermon on the Mount. He told His followers to give, pray, and fast in secret. They were not to seek applause or recognition from men.
When we give to the needy, we are not supposed to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). In contrast, if we are doing good so that others will see it, we have already received our reward. Unfortunately, that reward will be from men, and not from God Himself.
So, when Forrest says he doesn’t need awards or the praise of men, he is doing so to seek heaven’s approval. I can respect that conviction, and I also adhere to the same beliefs.
The Case for Jelly
At the same time, Jelly Roll’s perspective raises a fair question: Is it wrong to receive recognition for doing God’s work?
In 1 Timothy 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes that elders of the church who teach and preach are worthy of “double honor.” He even goes on to say that we shouldn’t “muzzle the ox” while it treads out the grain, because a worker deserves his wages.
In other words, those who labor in ministry—whether behind a pulpit or behind a microphone—are not wrong to receive material or public rewards. If a pastor can be given a “double honor” for his teaching, then perhaps a Christian artist can be honored for his songs as well.
Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast also provides some relevant context here. When guests were scrambling for the seats of honor, Jesus instead advised them to act with humility. In Luke 14:10, Jesus says, “But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.”
But notice what Jesus didn’t say.
Jesus does not tell us to refuse honor altogether, He simply tells us to not seek it for ourselves. If someone is willing to honor you—whether it be the master of a wedding, or the Gospel Music Association—there is nothing wrong with accepting that honor gracefully. Jesus leaves room for the Christian to be honored on earth.
A Matter of the Heart
In the end, both Forrest and Jelly were wrestling with the same question. Whether you’re standing on a stage or sitting in a pew, the real question is not “Should I be honored?” but rather, “Where is my heart in the midst of it?”
Is your treasure found in the applause of men, or the favor of God?
Are you more concerned with being seen by others, or being known by Jesus?
That’s the challenge that Jesus left us with. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
So then, if you were personally nominated for a Dove Award—would you go to the show? Would you stay at home? What would lead you to that conclusion?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer here, only an invitation to look inward. To examine what—and who—is giving your rewards.
Blessings,
