Secular vs. Christian

I really don’t know why I am writing this, except for the fact that the issue of  “secular vs. Christian” continues to come up time and time and never ending time again. I love church, I love “the” church. I believe that the church is the “apple” of God’s eye. However, I strongly believe that we are missing the intention of the “apple.” This whole concept of “secular vs. Christian” sets up a spiritual class system of  “us vs. them.” Think about it. In the past, and I do mean in the past. I used to think that a Christian who was listening to “secular” music was missing out on the blessings that God had for his life. He  was definitely not following after the heart of God or he would be listening to “Hillsong” 24/7. How ridiculous is that? So, basically what I was saying is that I am “more” spiritual than you. Because of what I do, I am better than you! I decided to overlook the whole, “It is by grace that you have relationship with God.” My salvation has NOTHING to do with my deeds, nothing. It has everything to do with who God IS. What HE did and continues to do! I think that the whole concept of “secular vs. Christian” is not a “purity” issue as much as it is a “control” issue. If I can get you to live your life according to a Christian check list, than I can be sure of where you are spiritually, or, what really happens is many, many, Christians can learn to play the christian game and never actually own their spirituality. They borrow our principals because of peer pressure and guilt. It is much easier to put regulations and “standards” on people than it is to disciple someone by teaching them how to make wise music, entertainment, food, movie, relationship, and lifestyle choices based upon what the Word of God actually says. Teaching people requires much more time than telling.

 And why is music the primary issue that is focused on. You can watch movies, as long as their not “R”, that are produced by non-Christian’s, with non-Christian actors. Yet you cannot listen to music by non-Christian’s with non-Christian musicians……do you see the hypocrisy, or as to not be so harsh, the confusion here. A prime example of this is a great friend of ours was going to use a song to illustrate something. The idea that was thrown out was the song “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. Our friend said, “Better yet I can use the “Christian” version by the group Selah (I think). The “Christian” version is the same exact song, same exact lyrics, same exact tune. The ONLY thing that is different between the “secular” and “Christian” version is the band. I DON’T GET IT. By the way, I am not criticizing, I am trying to point out that it is time that WE need to start using our brains. How come we don’t talk about food, gluteny is a big deal according to scripture, what about paintings, tv, magazines, books…you get my point. If we are going to use the “secular vs. Christian” standard than use it consistently throughout EVERY area of your life. Don’t just pick and choose because one area will make you “look” more spiritual on the outside, even when you have serious issues on the inside.

The world is not scary. The world is ours to enjoy. The world is ours to change. Whatever is loosed on earth is loosed in Heaven. It is time that we start influencing this culutre by bringing Heaven to earth and stop being scared of it. Every person on earth is on a search for truth. All truth comes from the Creator. It does not matter if that truth is found in a secular song, painting, movie, or t.v. show. Enjoy your journey. My search for truth may take me down a different path than yours. Neither is wrong, they are both different. Love God, Love People, and Love Life!

Igniting Change….