Well, it ain't the best picture but you get the... oh.
I went to a concert tonight and I would like to make a few observations. I'll try to be brief 'cause it's midnight and I just got home. (loud, obnoxious yawning noise)
First, at the Coliseum was a contemporary Christian concert. Right next door, at the Civic Auditorium, was Robin Williams. And I mean right next door.
Am I the only one who sees a crazy irony in that? I hope not.
The concert was fantastic. They sang their hits and the really good stuff from their latest release (almost said album) and it was a wonderful time of worship and fun. How can you not enjoy a Christian show that also has "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" in it? Yeah, I know, right?
It really was a special evening and the praise was oozing out everywhere. But literally on the other side of the wall was a comedian who is known for profanity and tasteless humor. It's a shame that someone with great talent has to resort to those means. Honestly, back in middle school, guys like me and Benji would crack up at that stuff. Funny how young boys can't stop snickering anytime a four-letter word is used. But what I kept thinking about tonight was what if the audiences switched?
If the performers carried on, business as usual, but the audiences simply got up and swapped venues, what would happen?
Would the RW fans feel the least bit uncomfortable listening to songs proclaiming Christ? Would they even stay for the whole show?
What about the Christian bunch? Would they feel uncomfortable listening to such talk or would they snicker and squirm around in their seats a little, but sit there so as to not be singled out and counted among the "zealots?"
Tonight there was a physical wall between God and the world. But on a spiritual level, there should always be a barrier between those of us who follow Christ and those who choose to follow the crowd. We are set apart, we should look different, behave different, think and talk different, even opposite, than the world. What we let in determines what comes out.
I've noticed that as my relationship with God grows, I become more and more disgusted with the sinful behaviors that I personally used to have. Language is a big one. When I was in an environment where all I heard was bad language, it wasn't long before I started using it myself. I wonder how many people thought I wasn't a Christian just because I said one word.
Anyway, "evil company corrupts good habits" and all that. My point is that the ways we show our faith and beliefs to the lost world are sometimes as subtle as the way we talk. I've heard the argument about profanity a million times and probably argued it myself. But the more I hear this kind of language coming from the mouths of Christians just to impress the ears of the world, I have to wonder what it sounds like to God.
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Second, a word of testimony that you may not care about. That's okay. I'm gonna put it here anyway just for spite.
I've mentioned before that I was never a fan of Christian music. I was into the Southern Gospel thing pretty heavy but only started listening to other stuff a while back.
About a year and a half ago, I fell from my lofty heights of pride and self-righteousness and found myself at God's feet and mercy. My life was "wrecked" and everything I thought I had done right turned out to be a pile of manure. Just about a day or two later, I heard a preview of Third Day's upcoming release, Revelation, on the radio. The song they played was the title track. Almost instantly, the words hit me at the core of my sorrows and I couldn't help but hear in that song one of the most earnest, pleading prayers I could imagine. I made it my personal prayer and thanked God that those lyrics were reserved for me at that time.
After that I was pretty much hooked. My taste in music changed a little, but the changes in my worship and praise to God were monumental as my heart was opened to the truth of what He wanted for me and what He would do to keep me close to Him. I've never looked back.
So thanks to Third Day for being obedient and recording a song that I am sure has spoken to many people. And thanks to God for breaking me to the point that I could hear it.
I don't know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won't You show me where I need to go.
Let me follow Your lead
I know that it's the only way that I
Can get back home.
