Creative Arts & Media - Email #5 (Nov)

So I listened to the radio... 

The other day I went to the gym for my semi-regular work-out session... I went there on a Thursday morning, and for some reason, I was the only one that was there! I didn't mind this, in fact I was happy to have the gym to myself. The radio was blaring, so as I sometimes do, I reached into my pocket, grabbed my mp3 player/phone, and put my head-phones in place. At that moment though, I changed my mind and decided to listen to the radio for a while, just to see what's being played these days. (I try to do that every so often.) I put my headphones back in my pocket, and walked towards the big stereo at the side of the gym, wondering which radio station I'd like to tune in to. Then my ears started to tune in and listen in to the song that was playing, and was more than a little put-off... It was a pop-punk style song, and several times in a row, these were the words that were blaring out:

"She sounds like sex on the radio".

So I switched the radio off.

I was angry, but also suprised and saddened. I wasn't so much angry at the singer for singing it (although in my view, it's a bit immature...) More the fact that this song had made it to the radio, where a lot of people, including young people, would hear it. (It definitely wasn't a far-out indie station!) And still today, I don't care who sings the song, I don't care what he means by it, or which context he's singing that line. For a record company to market a song like that, and for a radio station to broadcast it, is irresponsible.

Now I know that 10 years ago, a song became popular on the radio that went: "We started making out, and she took off my pants, and then I turned on the tv..." And that was around 10 years ago. (If you're shocked by me writing out these lyrics, I apoligize. These songs have been on public radio stations, so please forgive me for quoting them here to try to make a point.) But the line I heard the other day in the gym... even shocked me.

My point is, that little by little, things seem to be getting worse. The standard for what's generally accepted isn't exactly being raised. And by the way, in case your wondering, I didn't bother turning the radio in the gym back on when I'd finished! I had several music options on my mp3 player: I didn't feel like listening to Kings of Leon, their new album is a bit flat anyway. I decided to put put one of Henry's songs on. He's much cooler than anyone else on the radio... (Right now, I have to mention that there are a lot of people who are doing a fantastic job getting their music out there, that are doing it the right way. Brook Fraser is a good example.)

You might ask, what's the point of the above story? Isn't this just the way it is? Doesn't the bible say that lawlessness will increase, and that things are going to get worse and worse before Jesus finally comes back? Well, it does, but that's only a part of the truth. The bible does say that things will get bad. If the bible is true, then we can expect some pretty crazy things to happen in the future! (Eg: Matt 24:5-15, Daniel 11:30-33, 2 Tim 3:13,4:3-4, Revelation) However, at the same time though, the bible is packed full of things describing what God's people should be doing during those times! Daniel 11:32 sums it up really well. Even if we are surrounded by evil, Daniel 11:32 says: "the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." (NKJV, Italics mine.)

Dominion Part 1

I still love this Scripture:

Isaiah 60:1-3:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.

Nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.” (NASB)

This verse basically says that even though "deep darkness" covers the peoples, with God's help, HIS people will be a great influence in the world today.

As we pursue the presence of God, as we seek to become more like Him, as we follow Christ, and work hard using what we have in our hands, we will see this come to pass.

There are plenty of examples in the bible of men and women of God who were placed in positions of great influence, even thought the world around them was far from following God. Esther is just one example of someone who was given great influence “for such a time as this”. Joseph became 2 I.C in Egypt, and Daniel became 2 I.C in Babylon. What do Egypt and Babylon represent in Scripture? Sin/the world/the devil's kingdom... you get the idea.

There are heaps more Scriptures that talk about the church (us believers) gaining a place of influence in society. Jesus put it simply though. He says: “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the earth”.

He also taught us to pray: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

What would happen if the kingdom of God came to the media? Would all the forms of media that we have today disapear? I don't believe that! I believe that the way the media is used would change! I believe that the music and the message that is conveyed would be changed! I believe that the Spirit behind the media would change!!!

If God's kingdom were to come to the media, basically, people would be running it the way Jesus would. We've been hearing for years now that God wants to use us where ever we are, in our daily lives. He wants to use us as we talk with our neighbours, as we go shopping, and in our work places. This means that where ever you are, God wants to use you:

-to bless those around you. To be a "witness" through your deeds and words

-to do the right thing, to make wise, ethical decisions that benefit society in general

-to make righteous decisions, where ever you are.

So why couldn't this happen in the media?

I've known of people that have gone and worked for MTV. They made it there because God called them! While they were there, their work and their decision making benifited the kingdom of God!!! 

We are called to action! We are called to take "dominion" of different areas of society, and I believe that the media is definitely one of them. (If you want to slowly shape peoples mindsets and opinions, the media is one of the best ways to do it! No, it's not the only way, but that's what I'm choosing to focus on at the moment.)

We should never forget the principles of John 15, but it is up to us to take action, and take dominion. Stay connected to believers, stay connected to your leaders, stay “submitted” (not a dirty word) and stay accountable to people around you. Then go for it!!!

“So shall they fear
The name of the LORD from the west,
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood,

The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:11, NKJV)