Oprah, Steven Tyler, and monogamy

As much as possible, I try to listen when big voices speak with one another. To consider what they are saying and how that jives with what the Lord says. One recent such event was watching Oprah’s interview of Steven Tyler. (We have her interview with Joel Osteen on DVR, but haven’t watched it yet). Steven Tyler, as well documented and affirmed by Steven himself, was a drug-abusing womanizer who had zero regard for the impact these acts would have on others. Oprah asked some bold questions and, in typical Steven Tyler transparency, he gave heartfelt answers.

While sitting by his wife, Oprah asks two tough questions:
Oprah: “Is it possible to remain monogamous and be a rock star?”
Steven’s immediate answer: “Yes.”
Oprah: “Is it possible for you to remain monogamous?”
After a slight pause, Steven said: “Yes. It is. You know what’s going on right now is that I don’t want to hurt anybody again. ”

Stunning! Hopeful! Exciting!

We say, “Way to go, Steven!”

Our culture over-values the journey and under-values discretion. We think the journey teaches discretion, when really discretion’s purpose is to prevent certain journeys.

Steven knows this now and is trying to hold the line.

Much of Proverbs 1-7 is about discretion … knowing, per wisdom, what is the right way versus the wrong then choosing the right. But Proverbs is not merely about rules, as is the popular fallacy about the Bible in general. Proverbs amplifies over-and-over that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fearing God means bowing-down to Him, His ways, trusting them as best and Sovereign over-and-above the wave of today. Solomon goes into great detail about why discretion is so important: because feelings will well-up and you’ll convince yourself to go for it when you shouldn’t. I think of the famous Monica line in Friends, “Do what your heart is telling you.” Not a good plan. My heart tells me to do some wicked things. Discretion and the Holy Spirit combat them.

“My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion.” Proverbs 5:1-2

Steven Tyler demonstrated something: feelings can’t hold a monopoly in your life. Discretion must inform them toward their proper target.