Faces.

This particular post may get me kicked out of my home state; or worse, I may be introduced to someone’s right to bear arms. But I press on.

This will come as no surprise to most of you; but I don’t own one camo garment. The only hunting I participate in involves looking for a large shirt on a sale rack. I married a man who promised to never make me camp outdoors. I’ll never forget the moment he looked into my eyes and said, “I work too hard to pretend I’m homeless.” It was love.

So naturally, I’m going to watch a little more primetime ABC and a little less “Duck Dynasty.”

But I’ll be darned if that family isn’t on EVERYTHING. I went to Wal-Mart last night and it was like being in the Arkansas Louvre. Everywhere I went, Mona Lisa with unruly facial hair was staring at me. Towels. T-Shirts. Pillows. Blankets.

Recently there has been controversy over their appearance on bottles of wine and cigars. They have actually had speaking engagements canceled due to their new product line.

I’m not going to touch that topic with a shotgun (Shotguns are the long ones, right?)

I like the Robertsons; from all accounts they appear to be a wonderful, Christian family example. But that’s where I think we have gotten a little off course.

They are an example. They are an illustration of a certain kind of family.

Instead, Christians have been so desperate for public representation that we have almost made them synonymous with Southern Christianity. We want people to see them and picture all of us sitting at the family table.

We’re either quoting them; posting videos of them; or passing along the news that the networks want to cut their prayers out. We defend their cause bravely and then drop them the second Wood Duck Chardonnay hits the shelves.

I actually saw a preacher pose this deep theological question on a forum: “As Christians, how are we to respond to the Robertsons’ wine venture?”

What’s next week’s sermon—“Keeping Out the Kardashians”?

What kind of message does this send to the rest of the world? What kind of message does this send to individuals like me who want to find God—but not in a deer stand?

I’m glad they’re on television; I’m glad there is something out there for families to watch.

But anytime you make matters of faith about humans and their corresponding decisions, disappointment will result. Failure will result. Misunderstandings about Jesus will result.

Support them. Watch them. Even buy a few beach towels. But make sure the focus is not on their every move—but on Jesus moving through us.

Christianity comes in many forms and has many faces—some of which don’t even have a beard.