Harrison Butker’s commencement address at Benedictine College a few days ago stirred significant controversy. The Kansas City Chiefs’ standout placekicker is a devout Catholic known for boldly speaking his mind. So, when addressing the graduates of the conservative Catholic college, Butker began by encouraging them to remain authentic and unapologetic in their faith and to be willing to boldly speak hard truths – even when countercultural. “We fear speaking truth because now, unfortunately, truth is in the minority.”

Butker went on to condemn President Biden as well as our current culture that promotes abortion rights, pushes dangerous gender ideologies, celebrates homosexuality, and emasculates men. Butker also took a moment to speak directly to female graduates, “who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.” He suggested that while many of the female graduates might go on to lead successful careers, many were also likely dreaming of eventually getting married and having children. Citing his wife as an example, he said she “would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.” He went on to praise his wife as his source of inspiration and the love of his life. “I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”

Butker’s comment that his wife embraced the important vocation of “homemaker” was followed by nearly 18 seconds of applause from the Benedictine College audience, who also gave a standing ovation when the speech was finished. Yet, Butker’s comments were blasphemy for progressives, who went ballistic in the days following. “The views of Harrison Butker are not the views of the NFL,” a spokesman stated the next day. The Mayor of Kansas City apologized on behalf of the city. The Kansas City Star called upon the Chiefs to fire Butker and hire a female kicker – and they are serious!

Many of the comments on social media were sarcastic and brutal:

• “I wanted to show this to my wife, but she’s not allowed to read.”
• “I don’t have a husband so I guess I can’t buy tickets because my life hasn’t started.”
• “Wish I could watch but my boyfriend said I’m to stay in the kitchen making snacks.”
• “Are educated, childless women allowed at the game?”
• “If my husband gives me permission to skip my ‘wifey’ duties I’ll be at the game.”

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

As we strive to be salt and light in the world, we can take several lessons from Harrison Butker’s experience.

Have the Integrity to Be Heard

The Bible tells us to, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12). Harrison Butker is one of the NFL’s best kickers and is an invaluable part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ three-time Super Bowl championship team. Butker has the respect of his teammates not only for his athletic achievements but also for the depth of his character. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, told reporters, “I judge him by the character that he shows every single day … that’s someone who cares about the people around him, cares about his family, and wants to make a good impact in society.”

Courageously Proclaim Christ

In his speech, Butker said, “As a man who gets a lot of praise and has been given a platform to speak to audiences like this one today, I pray that I always use my voice for God and not for myself.” Harrison Butker took advantage of the platform given to him and spoke the truth to college graduates boldly and lovingly. That takes tremendous courage. There’s a temptation to be silent so we don’t antagonize anyone and avoid criticism. But “…if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8).

Expect Opposition

Jesus warned, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

Stand Your Ground

When widely criticized for his speech, Harrison Butker did not backpedal or timidly suggest he “misspoke.” He didn’t apologize for the truth. He essentially told his critics, “Hate all you want. My faith comes first.” Thankfully, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and his family, who are also believers, stood firmly with their player and refused to be intimidated.

“Our love for Jesus, and thus our desire to speak out, should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world,” Butker said. “Glorifying God, and not ourselves, should always remain our motivation, despite any pushback or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance, but I can never forget that it is not people, but Jesus Christ, who I’m trying to please.”

We shouldn’t be surprised that the world is becoming increasingly hostile toward our faith. Opposition to genuine Christianity has been the norm for most of history. Many of us have lived in unique times when Christianity was honored in the culture. That is rapidly changing. There is an expanding Satanic culture that hates everything believers and the church stand for.

J.C. Ryle said, “First we overlook evil. Then we permit evil. Then we legalize evil. Then we promote evil. Then we celebrate evil. Then we persecute those who still call it evil.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned His followers to not only expect opposition but be encouraged by it. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).

Harrison Butker urged Christians to “never be afraid to speak out for truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices.” He further pushed aside the negativity, noting the criticism he has received pales in comparison to the persecution others have faced – both in the past and present. “I can’t help but tremble at the thought of the courage many saints have shown in their lives,” he said. “Would I be so bold if the repercussion was what Daniel faced in being fed to lions? In reality, any courage I’ve shown will lead to some small suffering, and it will lead to some people maybe never liking me. But that could be God’s will. If I constantly remind myself of the hardships the saints went through, especially the martyrs and their persecution, it makes it all seem not so bad. For if heaven is our goal, we should embrace our cross, however large or small it may be, and live our life with joy, to be a bold witness for Christ.”

In concluding the commencement address, Butker said, “The road ahead is bright. Things are changing. Society is shifting. And people, young and old, are embracing tradition. Make no mistake: You are entering into mission territory in a post-God world, but you were made for this.”

Applause to Harrison Butker. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”