Saturday, October 16, 2010

Creative Arts & Media - Email #4 (October)

Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.”
(Psalm 119:136)

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkess is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.”
(Isaiah 60:1-2)

These days, it's beyond a cliché to talk about the “moral decay” that we're seeing. Obviously, it's not a new thing. “There is nothing new under the sun” the bible says. But there are some things that do seem to be a bit more prominent than they used to be. For the first time the other day, I watched “The X-Factor”, (an Aussie TV show that is kind of like “Britain's got talent”), on prime-time TV. They had a guest performance by a female pop duo, they had a whole crew of people on stage with them, not wearing a whole lot, and some of the main lyrics to their song was “I can do you like that”.

If I had kids, I wouldn't want them seeing any of it (especially if I had girls).

MySpace sent me an update email last month, I didn't have to scroll far down to see a picture of Katy Perry naked covered by a cloud. It made me concerned again about what young people are seeing and listening to, especially after hearing that her latest album and accompanying single is called “Teenage Dream.”

Just over a month ago, I came across this Scripture, and it's come to me a few times since then:

Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.”
(Psalm 119:136)

I can imagine the writer of this Psalm seeing what's going around him, and he's crying because he's seeing people hurting themselves, their families, and others around them.

A lot of the images that many music and television producers choose to put out these days is not exactly – let's say “family friendly”. It's nothing new, but it's certainly getting more blatant. When I read the above verse in Psalm 119, it made me think of the Christians out there working in the world of media. I believe that Ezra (possibly the writer of the verse) would sympathize with us today. Let's be encouraged by some of the other things he wrote in the same chapter though:

Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.” (verse 97)

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies...” (verse 98)

You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word” (verse 114)

Because I love your commands more than gold...
and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.
Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.” (verses 127-129)

Make your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.” (verse 135)

Then thinking of those around him, he says:

“Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.” (verse 136)

But goes on to say things like...

Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them...” (verse 140)

...your commands are my delight.” (verse 143)

Even in the midst of all the sin and stuff that's going on, this guys meditates on God's word, and seeks God's help. He loves God's promises, and delights in what He says. Even with all that's happening around him, he says that God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light for his path (verse 105).

Basically, this message is a call to purity. It's a call to stick with what you believe. It's a call to cling to biblical truth. It's a call to not compromise.

Hold on to your integrity, and you won't live to regret it. Don't get drunk. Don't lie or gossip. Don't cheat or steal, or put yourself in potentially compromising situations. Jesus said “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” (Matthew 5:13)

Don't stress or worry about the people out there that are Christians (or say that they're Christians) that you believe are compromising, or living a bad example. God's got their number, and he can take care of them. The best that we can do is take care of ourselves.*

And I want to talk about something else...

The bible says “do not be unequally yoked”*. A lot of people believe this means don't go out with a non-Christian. That is true, but it means a lot of other things too. I believe you can apply this to all relationships.

The picture that this Scripture paints is of two oxen that are ploughing a field. They are “yoked" together, which means that if one ox decides to pull in a different direction, then either the yoke will break, or the other one has to give in and follow. Let's put it this way: Think of someone that you have a relationship with. If they're going off-track, how will it affect take you? The obvious example is a husband/wife/boyfriend or girlfriend. The obvious application is if you shouldn't marry or date a non-believer, because if they're heading in a different direction, then it will either jeopordise your relationship with them, or your ability to follow God's leading. Now think of your close friends and partners. If they decide to move in a different direction, how will it affect you? Obviously we shouldn't cut all ties with non-believers, but think about the fact that the bible says...

“Do not be unequally yoked.”*

If the partnerships and close friendships in your life are leading you away from Christ and away from the church, then you need to re-consider those relationships. You need to hang out with Christians regularly. God will lead you in this. He will connect you in. All you need to do is overcome your pride. He will do the rest. The church needs to become your “re-fueling station” for doing whatever you are called. Sure the church is changing, but you need to choose to plug in. It's worth it, I promise.

I believe that the church has really begun to step up as a light to the world. Jesus words in Matthew 5:14 are truer now than ever. This passage in Isaiah speaks about it:

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkess is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.”
(Isaiah 60:1-2)

Let's stand strong in our beliefs and convictions. Let's not become like the world, let's model to the world what they long to become.


*If however you have a good relationship with someone, and you see them going off-track,  then that's a different story. You are then able to speak to them about what's going on. What I'm saying though, is if you see someone out there doing something that you don't believe is right, don't worry or stress about them. Pray for them, and let God take care of them.
** 2 Cor 6:14 (NKJV) Read the whole verse for maximum effect.