So, if it is our goal as Christians to bring about cultural change and re-establish godly morals, how does it do any good for us to flirt with the world's offspring? I'm not just thinking about music. Movies, dress, speech, books, how you spend your time; it all goes.
I've observed that what seems to drive us to listen to inappropriate messages in music is peer pressure.
"Because music comes from a fallen race, it can convey fallen feelings and concepts, and sin." Jeff Pollard
Yeah it's hard being a Christian. It's easy to let ourselves think that small compromises aren't harmful. That we can listen to songs about immoral living without becoming part of it. Because we are good kids who were raised the right way.
But familiarity desensitizes.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
"Friendship with the world is enmity with God." James 4:4
Do you think our entertainment-crazed world can be capable of distracting us from the dominion mandate? Distraction is, perhaps, more deadly to our pursuit of holiness than anything. It pulls us away from a fervent seeking after God, but not enough that we feel we're in danger. Distraction breeds mediocrity--the worst brand of Christianity.
"Music does not control us. Or make us do things against our will. The emotion of music can stir us to heights, or to filthy passions. Music is not an evil force, it is your heart that is evil." Jeff Pollard
The ultimate question we should be asking is "What kind of musical experience should I be having while considering God's precepts?" Jeff Pollard
4 comments:
And.... more conviction! :-) But seriously, as you and I talked about last Friday, this is a subject that has been on my mind a lot lately. We can't just sit back and let whatever music flow into our ears without first seriously evaluating what it really is we're listening to. And the same goes for movies, books, etc... Very important!
Chris
I've convicted myself through this search for truth Chris. It's a hard choice, especially for us young adults who still feel like we can be carefree in this area right now because we don't have the pressure of our own families.
I ran across a quote that said "True integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching." Bought sums it up!
1. Actually read your blog. Points me.
2. The last quote was dead on. Music is an expression. What you feed on, what you meditate on is a choice, that becomes a habit, that becomes a rather public statement of who you are. Eventually, the music you have playing in your earbuds becomes just as obvious as the tshirt you are wearing.
3. That said I still dig some Shakira during workouts and such. ;)
Daw, finally Olivia! Yep, Jeff Pollard has it together on this topic. Thanks for making your presence known! ;)
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