What’s The Big Deal? At the end of this year, I will finish 20 years of full time music ministry. I signed my first recording contract back in 1994 with Benson Records. At that time, I was travelling with Twila Paris as her auxiliary keyboard player. Those were the good ole days. I finished the recording in the fall of 1994 and hit the road in January of 1995. I thought that Christian music was at its best in the 90’s. Lots of diversity. Others would probably disagree. But it is all subjective. On a personal note: I was young and immature in the Lord when I first started out in the Christian Music industry and really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I was just going along with those who were leading my career and trying to get my name out there. No accountability. Just pushing for number one radio singles and trying to sell lots of cd’s so I wouldn’t get dropped by my label. But while working on my second cd, my eyes were opened to that sin. I repented and asked God to forgive me. My pastor gave me wise counsel and the men’s group I was in gave me incredible accountability. After that, I had a clearer picture of what God required of me as an artist and I took that responsibility seriously. Why am I sharing all of this with you? Luke 12:48 “To whom much is given, much is required.” James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” If you are a Christian artist who is on stage, whether you like it or not, you fall into the category of teacher. Most would never like to admit it, but it is true none-the-less. Over the last several months some things have come to my attention that are not subjective or up for one’s own interpretation. As a matter of fact, to me, they are Gospel issues. I am shocked and angered that some of these “Christian” artists who identify themselves with Christ have taken the liberties that they have and started leading those who love their music astray with these NEW teachings. I have also seen other artists linking arms with them giving their support all in the name of “love”. And still there are other Christian songwriters (who I know and respect) who are going thru the creative process with these “Artists” for future projects. So you may be asking, What is the Big Deal? They have the right to create what they want. They can interpret scripture how they see fit. Come on Michael. It’s really not your place to say anything. Who do you think you are? I disagree. If you call yourself a brother or sister in the Lord and teach things that are completely against scripture, then it is a BIG DEAL. I am a Christian who is in the same occupation as they are. I am commanded by God to hold them accountable when I hear lies being spoken or taught. I am open to that from others as well. And as long as I don’t have a plank in my own eye in the departments of “rewriting the word” or “redefining something God has called sin”, I have to call them on it. Matt 18:6 “But if anyone causes on of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Does that sound serious enough? I truly wonder if any of these artists are aware that they have come against the One True God that they have written and sung about for years? Do they even know that they are in sin? Are they listening to false teachers? 2 Tim 4:3 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear”. Truthfully, these artists have said things that would be defined as doctrines of demons. Oh I know, that may seem a bit harsh. We don’t use that language anymore because it comes across as extreme. But is it really? I won’t even get into the words Jesus used when dealing with the religious people. Ok, just a few. You brood of vipers and Hypocrites!!! But here is a scripture that gets to the heart of it. Matthew 12:30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Bottom line: Whether you can craft a song or sell thousands or even millions of cd’s is no concern of mine. But remember that everything you have has been given to you. So if you identify yourself as a Christian artist, use your gifts to help build up the body of Christ, not to tear it down. Though we live in a country that gives you the freedom to say what you want, God has not given you the freedom to rewrite his word without serious consequences. And yes, that is a warning. Not from me, but the Lord. the sad part of this story is that one of my son’s loves one of the artists I am referring to. But now, because this artist has taken a particular stance contrary to the word of God that I teach in my home, I no longer can approve of him as a voice in my son’s world. Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Honestly, these artists are more dangerous to me than an Atheist would be. I consider them wolves in sheep’s clothing. Finally, I cant really apologize for any of my thoughts on this matter because the word is clear on it. My next move after posting this is to hit my knees and start praying that these people’s eyes would be opened to the truth of God. I pray that they would repent and ask God to forgive them. And that they would create music that glorifies Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ if they are going to remain in the Christian music world. Otherwise, quit using the church to make your living, and go into the world and sing your songs with a clear conscience.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 19:40:24 +0000
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