Former Ugandan model Judith Heard has questioned the values Uganda is passing on to the next generation, warning that young people may be learning to associate success with glamour while overlooking character, discipline, and faith.
In a post on X, Judith said Christianity has increasingly become an easy target for mockery, even as society openly celebrates partying, drinking, sexualized content, materialism and celebrity lifestyles.
Anything connected to Christianity seems to have become easy material for mockery. A pastor speaks, people laugh. Someone testifies about what God has done, people immediately look for a reason to discredit it.
Judith said her bigger concern is the young people watching all of it.
She questioned what happens when a young girl grows up believing that expensive cars, designer clothes, vacations and access to powerful people define success.
Instead, she wants young people to value education, integrity, discipline and sacrifice while understanding that social media rarely shows the full story behind someone’s lifestyle.
Not every glamorous life you see online is the whole story. Not every person telling you “I worked hard for everything I have” is telling you everything it took to get there.
Her message became particularly direct when she addressed young women, warning them not to compromise themselves in the pursuit of success.
Young women especially must understand that you never have to compromise your body, dignity, values or relationship with God to become successful.
Judith also questioned why society scrutinizes Christianity while giving other lifestyles a pass.
But mention Jesus, prayer, church, repentance or holiness, and suddenly everybody becomes an investigator. Something is wrong with that picture.
The post also offered a glimpse into Judith’s own spiritual journey.
She revealed that the photo accompanying the message was taken at the Museum of the Bible after she completed a 40-day fast as she entered 40.
At this stage of her life, she said, she knows exactly what she has chosen.
At this stage of my life, I know what I have chosen. I choose the Kingdom.
Judith said she will continue talking about Christ and encouraging young people to pray, study, work, build, serve and develop their gifts.
She also urged Christians not to become afraid of openly expressing their faith simply because it attracts criticism.
If the world can boldly promote what it believes in, then those of us who believe in Jesus should never be ashamed to boldly proclaim Him.
Judith ended with a call for adults to think beyond their own generation and consider the example they are leaving behind.
We can do better for the generation coming behind us.