I have seen a lot of talk about secular music. Here is the deal, I am a singer... I sell my music to make a living, along with many other things that I do. I sing Christian music as well. I don't cuss in my music. My songs are real as they come, happy, sad, hurt, everything. I found a way to make my music reach people from all walks of life. And even after shows I find people asking me about my inspiration, and when I tell them Christ they are receptive. I touch more lives in a secular atmosphere than in a Christian one. So tell me this, Who thinks I'm wrong??? Let me know your thoughts? I am very curious. I'm still going to be the same after this thread however, so don't believe you are changing me with your opinions, I just think this is a good discussion.
What I'm about to share is 'on YOUR side.
Last night I noticed the website in your siggy and I took a look at it.
www.ballwrightnow.com
I don't see anything partcularly 'bad' about it, as most of us work in secular environments, the entertainment world is truly no exception, but I think you have a 'conviction' about the venue you're in, otherwise you would not have posted and asked what 'we' think about it.
And this does not say that you are doing something wrong or that you are in sin, neither are you a bad person. Not at all. However, on the contrary, whenever we ask for someone elses' views, thoughts, opinions, it's ususally because we have a 'question' within ourselves about what we are doing, is it right or wrong (even when we defend it, for defense is most often the basis of a conviction).
My Dad would always tell us that if we're so sure about it, then why ask him if it's right or wrong and why preface the question with reasons to justify why we do what we do, when no one has asked us, other than our conscience.
If you say that you're going to continue with what you are doing anyway, no matter what anyone says/thinks, then why ask for other's opinions, unless.................
You have a 'conviction' about it. Something is in your heart that doesn't feel at total peace.
Let me say this. This a a good thing for you to ask. Because it shows that you've been hearing the voice of God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is always there to lead and guide us into all truth.
Because God loves us and protects us, there may be somethiing ahead in this 'life' you've chosen, that presents a danger to your walk, your witness, and maybe even your life.
One of the biggest dangers in the securlar world for Christians is 'compromise' and back sliding. It is and always will be. The world does not yield to conscience; it justifies all that it does as what is right for them and no one else.
And do not think for one moment that you are exempt from it. satan will use your love for this life of singing to sift you as wheat and to destroy you. he's done it to others, why not you; afterall it's his arena, his turf, his playground in the world of entertainment.
Already he has fulfilled his role with you as the 'accuser of the brethren'. he is standing before the thone of God, perched and ready to point the finger at God, accusing you of what you've chosen to do .... further with your career.
It appears that you have a conviction in your spirit, and it is indeed there, for you are seeking confirmation from 'other' Christians, to sense if they think you are really doing something wrong.
Singing is not the sin. But the environment may be and the source. There may be 'spirits' around you that do not please God and after awhile, 'we' as Christians will tune them out, to give us peace in what we do. We become deaf to the voice of reason and guidance.
God understands your need for provision and He also understands the passion you have for the gift He has given you in singing. It's hard out there in the industry. And as sure as your skin is Black, you WILL compromise just to stay above water.
And it happens so supbtly. Tiny measures of compromise enter in to this life you've chosen, until you're right where satan wants you. he will have you dependent upon this venue for your livelihood and also for the love and admiration that it brings; the acceptance that comes from being talented. Trust me... I know.
The Path of Compromise ...
* Competing just to stay on top or let alone in the pool. How far will you go to compete or to be accepted above the new kid on the block who sings much better or has a new spin that you've never tried or mastered.
Look at the twins, Tia and Tamera Mowry. The TV show, The Game. Here we have a fully confessed Christian who delved into a character in total and complete oppostite of her witness as a Christian. Why? Was acting that important to her to compromise her faith in the Lord?
Each of us can name, one Chrisitian after another who has gone into the world ...with the claim of making 'THE' Difference only to end up behaving and living what they claimed they'd set a standard against.
Something is going on in your world that is not upon God's standard. It's 'there', you've seen it, you've been warned about it, you know it or you've been trying to quench the voice of it that beckons you.
Now a days, too many Christians are saying 'what's okay which in God's heart, it's not okay.
Compromise.
Whatever we compromise to get, we will ultimately lose.
There is a prayer that keeps me focused ...
Lead me not, into temptation, deliver 'us' from 'all' evil.
-----------------------
I'm also beginning to understand something that you shared in your other thread about 'rules' and Christians' judging.
