Slowly, but I'm learning.
I'm learning that life is a fight - a fight for joy. A fight to desire Christ above all else. A fight to not get distracted by temporary things.
It's easy to think little things aren't a big deal. "Well, it's just music." or "It's just a movie."
Believe me, I've been there. I AM there. For whatever reason, over the past few years, my judgment has slipped. I've neglected to realize the depth of the impact the things I watch and listen to have on my growth and outlook on life.
I'm learning. I'm learning that the music I listen to effects my attitude in more ways than I ever imagined. I think deep down I'm always known that, but didn't want to accept it. I like secular music. It sounds good. It's fun. It has a sweet beat. But by focusing on that sweet beat I've missed out on sweet moments with my sweet Jesus. I've filled my ears with the world, allowing the ideals of our culture to infiltrate my mind. And sadly, I've begun to believe them. I've bought into the culture that my worth is found in my appearance. That I'm only as good as my dress size. I've believed that my body is to be used as a weapon.
Worst of all, I haven't listened to the Spirit when it's tried to tell me these things. When my Abba has nudged my heart, showing me softly the impact these things have made on me. I wish I would have listened sooner.
So, that all being said, I'm not listening to secular music this semester. I'm asking God to speak to my heart. I'm rooting out the ways the world has gotten a hold on me. I'm cutting ties with distractions. No secular music. Not because it's inherently bad, but because it's inhibiting my ability to connect with my Savior. Giving up sweet beats for sweet moments is more than worth it to me.
Over the past week and a half I've already seen God use this. Give Him opportunities, and He'll speak to you in ways you could have never imagined. He's using the Jesus music I'm filling my ears with to remind me of His truth, His love, and His faithfulness.
This semester I'm taking back my joy.
As I ask Him to speak to me, I challenge you to do the same. Music has had a grip on my heart for more years than I'd like to admit. What areas are you keeping from God? What parts of your life do you think "aren't a big deal" or "won't make that much of a difference"?
{Be Kind. Be Intentional. Be Soft. Be Sincere.}
>> Disclaimer: I'm not saying Christian music is boring, lacking in appeal, or necessarily doesn't have a beat <<
>> Disclaimer: I'm not saying Christian music is boring, lacking in appeal, or necessarily doesn't have a beat <<
