“No such thing as a Christian artist,” says poet Joel McKerrow

A friend sent me a link to an article lately with the above title, featuring Joel McKerrow, a brilliant spoken word artist. His thoughts regarding faith and art are applicable to anyone who works in the arts and the media. You can read the entire article here, but for now, here are a few quotes:

McKerrow is adamant that he is not a “Christian artist”. “We have done a disservice to the world by having a Christian music scene; a Christian artist scene. People who follow Jesus should be artists who are Christians.”

“My hope is that my spirituality comes across in my music and in my poetry, but I think it comes across in a subversive way. My spirituality and my faith and my understanding of God and life and Christianity – they affect everything to do with my artistry, but I wouldn’t want to call myself a Christian artist,” says McKerrow.

If more Christians adopt the same approach as Joel, we'll end up being a lot like yeast in dough*. Our way of living, and essentially Christ in us slowly permeates our surroundings - subtly teaching people how to live, as Bill Johnson would say.

*Matthew 13:33

What does a Conolli have to do with Worship?

A few weeks back, I was talking to a friend about junk food and healthy food, and how I'd noticed that my body was craving healthy food more, and junk food less. In part, it's because I'd been eating healthy. A meal including beans and veges made me get excited. Stranger things have happened!

Last week, it got weirder. Thanks to the best friend/gym partner/PT that I could ask for, I'm more consistent at having a gym routine than ever before. I made it to the gym four times, and when it got to Sunday afternoon, my body was craving exercise!

It gets stranger. That same afternoon, I was offered a very rich dessert that would have otherwise got thrown out. Usually, I'd take up the offer in an instant! But my body actually didn't feel like it! I knew my flesh would still like it, but I chose to say no to it. (I had to throw it out quickly before I'd change my mind!)

It's occurred to me that this is a lot like the things of God!

Even though I often fail at doing the things I set out to do (like prayer/worship/bible reading) I have found that the more time I spend in God's presence, worshipping/reading his Word, the more I desire Him!

Bill Johnson says: “In the kingdom, if you want to get hungry, eat.”

The very things you want to want.... do them.

I had to do this a while ago, ironically right after I'd written a series of blog posts on gettingspiritually “refilled”.

I had to drag myself, early in the morning, towards bible reading. I drifted & day-dreamed constantly. In and of myself, I didn't really want to do the things I had so passionately encouraged you, the reader of this blog, to do – read the Bible and feed of God's Word through prayer.

Still, I made myself attempt it with all the energy I could muster. I had a break-through when the verse of the day (on my Bible phone app) was exactly the verse I'd read and pondered earlier, in my state of drifting, day-dreaming and forcing myself to read anyway. This happened not once, but twice in a row! That really woke me up. Even when we feel unfocused/lost/distracted, God can still speak to us and draw us back to the path he wants us on.

It's worth taking the step towards God, in the way that you know how. Ultimately, it's by His grace that we do anything. It is because of His enabling presence that we even breath, let alone engage with Him. It is here that the mystery lies. God is active, even when we are passive, and yet God's word still says that if we draw near to Him, he will draw hear to us*. God is not entirely bound by our actions, and yet His movements are intrinsically linked to ours.

What does the conolli have to do with worship? The canolli is the dessert I said no to on Sunday. Usually, I would have said yes, but I chose to throw it out. I ate healthy food instead, which my body loved. What is it in your life that you need to throw out today, in order to draw near to God?

*James 4:8

Colours of the spectrum (Spoken word poem)

To all my readers of the cultured type that savour words and wordplay,

Listen - while I exert my first intro using a verse made

In the form of a poem - crafting words in a terse way

Call it a what you like, this isn't art for arts sake

It's time to explore the paradox of letting your light shine

And running your race – while remaining connected still to home base

Let's investigate in rhyme – I've got these two thoughts in my mind

If they're a contradiction, the bible's in opposition to it's own way

And so is God. But instead, he's far from double-minded.

He knows the way to your heart, even when we're stubborn & blinded

He knows how to navigate truth and bring it to light for you

But we need to listen – and not shoot down seemingly opposing views

God is just, and God is love. Both 100% true

You have to meditate, ponder, and live it out to see it in full view

We're called to be light in dark– again, 100% true. But still,

We're also called to use our gifts to make Christ's bride beautiful (Eph 5:27)

At the same time, the church needs to let her light shine

And that won't happen if we huddle like we're quite fine

Mingling amongst ourselves – while the world around us is perishing

& selling music to our kids that's sex crazed explicitly

Nah – we've gotta get out and show the world that there's a better way

To live and move – a view on life is better with the Spirit, man.

The body's gotta move & function, it's gotta stay connected

Then we've gotta move into the world and show them they're missing

Is God a contradiction? When he says two different things?
More like they complement each other – church and witnessing

We've gotta get these things in balance – bring together the two halves

And if we do this then John 13:35 will come to pass

“Some wanna be an earshot from the church bell

I wanna win souls, make gunshots in the worst hell” - Andy Mineo

“Sometimes my music's for the church I call it body art” - Lecrae

Following Your Calling/The Problem with the Church today

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” - 2 Thessalonians 1:11

This is going to be one of my more controversial blog posts relating to spirituality and the arts.

I am hoping to challenge some people out there, when it comes to following Jesus and living out your calling. I want to challenge your perception of “the church” and “the world”.

Ephesians 5:1

“Live a life worthy of your calling”

You, and I are called to steward the giftings and talents that we have, and serve the purposes of God in our world today. If you have that established in your mind, read on!

I want to propose a paradigm for following your “calling”, with regards to the media and the arts.

First, I want to share a vision that I had. It wasn't an “open vision” as such, but it was a series of pictures in my mind that I felt like God was showing me.

First, I saw a picture of Jesus, walking down a street. There was a church building on the side of the street, and Jesus walked past it. I was called to follow him. I felt like the church building represented church programs and activities that I wasn't called to be a part of. I had a calling to follow Jesus and move on*.

We know that Jesus cares about reaching the lost, as shown in stories about the lost coin and the lost sheep (Luke 15).

Then the second picture I saw, was Jesus holding a hammer, banging a large tent peg into a large tent. Immediately the Scripture came to mind “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). I felt immediately like this picture represented something that Jesus was doing, that I was called to be a part of. It caused me to repent of all the times where I've been called to serve, help or minister to those in the church, and I've simply gone and done my own thing.

The key application that I got from this experience is that in the midst of sensing a call to minister in the world, and also serve and connect in the church, the body of Christ, we need to follow Jesus.

We are called to be salt and light in the earth. When should we focus on that? When should we head out into the world?

We are called to be a part of the family of God, which is the church. When should we focus on that?

I'm happy to discuss the answers to these questions individually with you, obviously however, there is no “one size fits all” answer that I can write in a blog. The answer will be different for every single person. The answer is to follow Christ. Walk with God.

The problem with the church is that it is full of people. As soon as you connect with a local church or body of believers, you'll find people you don't naturally connect with. There may well be people that rub you the wrong way. However, this is a part of God's plan to sanctify you, and help to make you more like Jesus.

A new paradigm: Where do you fit in the spectrum?

I want to propose to you that every Christian has a calling in some way to use their giftings “in the world”, or the “marketplace”, and in some way in the church - that is, the bride/body of Christ. Even someone who's called to be a pastor, or full-time worship director in the church is somehow off track, if they never befriend or connect with non-believers from week to week. We all need to be letting our “light shine” in some way (Matthew 5:14-16). Likewise, even if our main calling is to spend time in so called “dark places”, we're all called to be connected to the body of Christ, and be submitted to anointed leadership**. It's not an “either or”, but a “both/and” thing. Obviously, this will look different for everyone!!! It's almost like a spectrum, where spending most of your time out in the world/marketplace is on one end, and spending most of your time serving/leading within the church is on the other. Where do you fit in the spectrum?

When I mentioned this concept to a friend of mine, he said he calls it a “sliding continuum” - meaning how you connect day to day, and week to week with those inside and outside the church can vary. My friend spent many years working successfully in the NGO/“not-for profit” sector, and eventually (and reluctantly!) was called into working for a church as a pastor. Through his work as a pastor, he remains very connected with many people outside of the church, as well as within. He connects with many in order to equip and send them into the media, arts, and other spheres.

The grand vision: I see a body of believers that infiltrate the media and the arts sectors of society, and bring greatness to what they do in the marketplaces of the the world. Just by being who they are, they will literally be like salt and light to the world around them, permeating our society and culture with the life of Jesus (Matthew 13:33). They have a heart towards the entire body of Christ, and seek to connect and to serve as God enables them. They also have a strong mandate to BE the church, out in the world, as they entertain, and fulfill many other regular functions and roles within the media and arts spheres.

I also see church leaders that rise up and embrace people sent out into these spheres, and support, pray for and encourage them in their calling (1 Corinthians 12:25-28).

*This doesn't mean that Jesus (being omnipresent and active throughout his entire body on earth) wasn't in that particular church, He may well have been. It just means that I wasn't called to be a part of what was happening there.

** The bible does have 1 Cor 2:15-16 and 1 John 2:27, there is also 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Hebrews 13:7 & 17. #truthintension

How to Stay Re-fuelled for your Creative Journey, Part 2

How do you stay “refuelled”? That was the question we ended with in Part 1. If you missed it, you can read it here.

We are “whole” beings, but we still have a “triune” nature. That means, as humans we are spirit, soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23.) Our soul* and body** need to be “refuelled” regularly if we want to live well. Right now though, I want to focus particularly on how we can refuel spiritually.

Why do we need to stay refuelled spiritually?

The more you truly walk with God, the more you realise that you can't fully live and function without Him. How does God sustain us? Through his Word.

Simple. Prayer, and reading the Bible. Put them together, and they're like fire and gasoline.

Jesus Himself said “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that God speaks [present tense].” (Matthew 4:4)

How do we hear what God speaks?

The Bible is a key way that God speaks to us. As we read and converse with Jesus, (who by the way is the Word!***) the Bible really does come alive.

It's then that God's word becomes food to us. It feeds our Spirit.

We don't just want to read it however, we want to meditate over it (Psalm 1:2). Meditating on something is basically actively thinking about it. It's a bit like chewing your food.

These ideas about Bible reading (from IHOP) have flipped my bible reading on it's head at times recently. It's a great article that puts prayer and bible reading together. Again - it's like lighting a flame next to TNT.

My biggest enemy

My biggest enemy for engaging with God could be one of your big enemy's too. It has a glass screen, and it's probably in your pocket right now, filled with notifications. Don't check it now, finish responding to this first.

My smartphone has been a huge distraction for me over the years. One thing I'm learning to do is “fight fire with fire”, and use my phone to distract me with the word of God. For example, using the Youversion Bible app, I get notifications with the verse of the day, and I also have it emailed to me at another time of the day, in another translation. It's easy to activate this, just go to “Settings”, then “Notification Settings”, then press “Verse of the Day”. Let me know how you go!

I found this article very encouraging a while back: “Your Bible Reading is about to Threaten Your Smartphone Focus” Read it now if your Smart Phone is ever distracting for you, and get aggressive pursuing the things of God!

* Our souls can be refueled, for example, by doing things we love, and also by spending time with people we love.

**Obviously, your body is refueled by good food, nutrition, sleep, and other things.

***John 1:1

How to Stay Refueled for Your Creative Journey, Part 1

There are a few topics I'm scared to write about. This is one of them. Why? Because whenever I write about a topic like this, just like when I wrote about prayer a while ago, there's three fingers pointing back at me. However, when I feel the nudge to write about something, it's usually for a reason. Read Part 1 and Part 2 right now, and I think you'll be inspired!

Speaking of things that are inspiring, I have a part-time job that I really enjoy. However, the main reason I do this job is because I have bills to pay. To get paid, I have to send away a time-sheet regularly. If I don't submit it by a particular time, I don't get paid. Each week I am highly motivated to take the necessary time to send it in! Unfortunately, when it comes to our relationship with God, if we neglect to make it a priority, the effects may not be quite as obvious as a missed pay-cheque, at least for a little while.

But when we take the time to connect with God, and refuel on Him and His Word, life is so much better! This is about so much more than dry spiritual disciplines...

Think about this: Paul McCartney is a pretty cool dude. If he happened to be in your part of town tonight, and requested your company for dinner, would you say no? I know I wouldn't!!!

This week, the Person that gave Sir Paul his talents wants to spend time with you. Will you say no?

The Holy Spirit is the most creative being on the planet. The more connected we are with Him as a person, the the better off we'll be in our own vocation, whatever that may be. This is one reason why our relationship with God is so important.

How do you refuel in your relationship with God? If there's any particular way that is working for you at the moment, please share it in the comment section below! You never know, your answer might help inspire someone else! (Part 2 in this mini-series is coming right up.)

Leaven with your Latte? Song choice at the Coffee Club

As I write this, I'm sitting in a local cafe and two of my extremely talented friends are playing music here. They've just finished playing a funky, mellow version of Cee Lo Green's “Crazy”. I clapped louder than anyone here, because they nailed it! They took a nice song, put their own creative spin on it, and their performance fit the environment beautifully. They haven't sung about demon worship, or having sex on fire with a prostitute - and they haven't sung “None but Jesus” either. They simply sang songs appropriate for their setting, and the audience appreciated them. The cafe staff loved them, and served them well.

To me, this is a good example of a bunch of musicians (who are Christians) getting out and being “salt and light” in the world (see Matthew 5:13-14). They are using their gifts to bless and to serve their community. My two friends treat people well. They are kind, genuine, and “loving” people. In industries so often filled with jealousy and selfish-ambition, this is quite often a “breath of fresh air”. There are two other things that happen as they go about creating and performing music for the general marketplace: Their world-view naturally leaks into what they produce. Healthy relationships will generally be celebrated more than unhealthy ones for example, and life is enjoyed and celebrated, without the need to be drunk or high. This has a positive, permeating effect on those around them (just like leaven - Matthew 13:33). The other thing is that for them Jesus' promise remains true: “I am with you always”. The presence of God is what marks His people more than any other distinguishing factor. Often people will be left thinking “there's something different about that person”. Christ's character formed in us, and His supernatural presence in and around us, will be a defining factor in our ministries in the world today.

To some, an understanding of all of this will bring a release and a sense of freedom to pursue their craft, and career with a new sense of “calling”. Whatever your craft and vocation is, there is not necessarily a need to use it purely as a vehicle for evangelism, or a message of any sort. I am a big believer in personal evangelism. As an individual, we should aim to be ready and willing to “witness” what we know about Christ to people. However, our craft and vocation is a different matter. Generally, it's a good underlying idea to be brilliant at your craft, in and of itself. If you do feel to share a particular message of any sort (gospel related, or otherwise), go for it. But don't be afraid to simply be great at what you do, and serve people with what you are doing. Of course, be a Christian as you do it... it isn't ideal to promote porn as a part of this process (for example). However, it is not required of you that you promote imagery of Christ in it's place. Do what you do well! And be a great version of yourself while doing it. :-)

Much love.

Thoughts? Opinions? Feel free to respectfully share them in the comments below. :-)

5 Reasons to love Christian Music

As I begin to write this, I am fully aware that this post might sound contradictory compared to some of my past posts (like this one). If our goal is to impact the surrounding culture, then I do believe that the label “Christian” can potentially limit our ability to be "leaven" in the world around us (Matthew 13:33).

However, given that this thing called “Christian-music” already exists, there are a large number of reasons I support a lot of what is termed “Christian”. And if you consider yourself a Christ-follower, here are five reasons why I think you should too:

1. WORSHIP is straight up crucial on earth today.

Worship serves so many purposes in the church and in the world today. Entire books have been written about the topic, and I couldn't do it justice in one blog today. Ultimately – it glorifies God, follows multitudes of commands in Scripture, and helps to bring heaven to earth, here and now. There is no doubt that the media and the arts serve a vital role in seeing this happen in today's church. What's your role in bring heaven to earth through worship today?

2. The body of Christ needs to be edified

“The choir” does need to be encouraged. In fact, the best evangelistic witness ever is.... an encouraged church! For sure, some are called to use the arts and the media to help do this.

As well as be encouraged, Christians need to be “prepared... for works of service” and the body of Christ “built up” (edified) “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God... to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” (see Ephesians 4:12-13). If this is done during a rock concert, and most of the people attending are Christians, I for one ain't gonna knock it!

3. Christians deserve to be blessed.

Not only can great music/art potentially be good for the spirit, it can also be good for the soul. While I'm a huge fan of believers being effective “salt and light”, or “leaven” in society, I'm also a fan of the arts/media being used in such a way that is enjoyable and fun for Christians that gather in church on a Sunday morning, as well as festivals and concerts around the world. Christians deserve to be blessed.

4. New believers need a degree of separation while they grow spiritually.

Over the years I have heard many stories of people tossing out parts of their CD/tape(!) collection, because they felt their faith compel them to. In fact, I have some stories myself! I once tossed out a cd in my collection after I realised that most of the songs on the album were about sex (and I don't think Anthony Kiedis was singing to his wife!) However, I currently own a number of cds by artists that other believers have chosen to toss. And I support their decision to do so. Why is this?

The answer is “conscience”, and the matter was addressed by the Paul the apostle a number of times in the New Testament (1 Cor 10:29...)*. In my view, if you want to become great at your medium/art form, you need to study the work of the greats in your field. However, this presumes a degree of maturity in faith, and an ability to exercise good judgement, and follow your conscience. There could may well be periods of time, especially for new believers, where you need to separate yourself completely, from “secular” stuff, and maybe even toss some CDs out, and replace it with music that is found to be encouraging. And this is where the so called “Christian” scene can be of great benefit. Even the Israelites were allowed less freedom after they left Egypt. This is because their sense of identity as God's people as a separate nation was still being formed. For example, they were not allowed tattoos, partly because they would become confused about what they were about, relative to the surrounding nations and their pagan (and harmful) religions. Are we free (in Christ) to get tattoos today? Of course. But for the Israelites, and perhaps for some Christians today, tattoos are off-limits, until one is mature in faith and is able to make wise decisions that won't be regretted later on*. :-) I suggest to you, that some Christians are in a place where they do well to only listen to this thing called “Christian music”. The principle in Romans 14:14-16 applies.

           5. Scripture has been put into song in many creative ways, and that's just plain cool.

I own a bunch of CDs by a band that has put many of the Psalms into song, and for myself and many other believers, this has brought the Scriptures alive in new ways. This is just plain awesome!

All of this, is not to say that I think all musicians who are Christian should go out and start making something that they call “Christian music”, or film makers, “Christian movies”. I don't, as I've explained in the past (sometimes overstating it for effect). I generally encourage people to make great art, and let their world-view naturally influence their art. removing a barrier between the artist and the people they are called to reach.

However, given that this world of “Christian music” exists, I advocate supporting the good things that go on, and embracing what God is doing.

Plus... I guess many artists/musicians (etc) are primarily CALLED to minister to the body, AND/OR lead the church in worship. Switchfoot have a certain calling, Reuben Morgan has another. We should focus on our own individual role, while honouring and embracing those that are called to something different.

Ok. I'm out. Got thoughts? Comments? I'd love to chat more in the comments below.

*For further reading, see for example Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8, & 10. Here, Paul addresses the issue of believers eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols (pagan gods). The principles found here have many applications today, and music/media is one of them.

Ever feel like you don't quite pray enough?

"It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart." - Ghandi

“I am the vine and you are the branches” - Jesus

I want to share something God's been teaching me about prayer. It's a thought that has filled me with peace, joy and contentment, during a month of lots of things happening around me, numbers uncertainties, and days when I haven't had much set apart “prayer time” or time focused on reading the bible.

I'd be lying if I said I haven't spent any time on spiritual disciplines. But even on the days when I haven't, I've become extremely happy whenever I've thought about the idea of “prayer” - as opposed to experiencing guilt because I haven't “prayed enough”. (Anyone know that feeling?)

I had a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago that reminded me of this: Paul says “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:20) ... At it's core however, prayer is basically communion with God. It's being connected. It's being one with Him.

This is what's made me happy over the last few weeks: As I've gone throughout the day, & thought about the idea of "prayer", I've simply tuned in and "drawn close" to God (James 4:8). In my thoughts, in my attitude, in my affections. I've been aware that he's always near to me. We shouldn't base our faith on feelings, but there have been times where I've felt "warm and fuzzies" all over me, just while going about my day, & "drawing near" to Him.

Of course, I'm not saying you should stop spending time alone with God, talking with Him (Mark 1:35, Luke 4:42 etc). You should feel encouraged to follow throwithon your whatever convictions you have about such matters (as I am attempting to live out and follow through on mine.)

What I am saying is that you can be connected with God, while doing things like:

-the dishes

-talking with your friends

-your work

-driving

-eating junk food

-playing games on your smart phone

-writing poetry

-writing music

-planning your next creative venture.

At first, when I felt that God wanted me to write about prayer this month, I began (figuratively) to buckle at the knee. But as I reflected, and pondered on prayer being communion with God, it's brought to me an amazing sense of freedom and joy to my daily routine. My guilty feelings have almost been eradicated, and regardless of whether I've had set “prayer time” or not, I've been extremely happy. The connection that I've had with God while doing many of the above things has just made me feel good on the inside.

Read Romans 8:1.

God really is near to you, and wants to commune with you. Because of what HE'S done, He can do so any time. It's by His grace.

I wish you a great month of prayer.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about prayer?

3 Steps to Changing the World with The Arts and The Media

Once a fortnight at our house, we have a dinner gathering, primarily for people who are involved with the arts, or with the media in some way, or would like to be. I'd like to share some things we discussed last week, because I really believe it can help you achieve success in your field. After dinner and lots of laughs, we talked about three steps that will help anybody who wants to bring positive change with the arts and the media in some way.

Of course, to succeed in anything major, there are more than three steps involved. However, these are broad-brushstrokes that will help anyone that's seeking to walk with God on a daily basis, and steward the gift that they have. (I am sharing this in the context of people who are Christian, who want to follow Jesus. Even if that's not your worldview though, you can still read and apply what I'm talking about, in your own way, in your own context.)

Read on and hopefully it'll make sense....

In a nutshell, the 3 steps are: 1) Don't call yourself a Christian artist 2) Be great at what you do (make great art) 3) Allow your worldview to influence what you create

1) Don't call yourself a Christian artist (or "Christian _________ " - fill in the blank.)

Call yourself an artist.

If that's what it is that you do.

If you're a film-maker, call yourself a film-maker. If you're an actor, call yourself an actor. If your a stylist, call yourself a stylist. If you're a stand-up comedian... you get the picture.

Some of you are reading this are saying "well, duh". Some might read this and might be confused. (This blog is mainly for..... Christians!) Some might read this, and think I'm being heretical.

Before you stone me though... understand that I'm not saying that you should deny Christ. As I wrote a while back, I believe that we should always be ready to share what we believe. But that DOESN'T mean that we need to add the word "Christian" next to something we do - such as our profession, as if it were an adjective. How many plumbers do you know call them self a "Christian plumber"? Do you know anyone who introduces them self as a "Christian teacher"? How about a "Christian business-owner"? You may well know a plumber, or a teacher, or a politician who happens to be a Christian. But if someone began calling themselves a "Christian _______ [insert profession]", guess who most of their clients would be?

If someone who is a Christian pursued a career in school teaching (for example), applied themselves and became good at it, surely they'd be in a good position to benefit and add value to students that aren't Christians. Can you see how this potential for impact among the un-churched would be diminished if they promoted themselves as a "Christian teacher"? The best approach for them would be to call them self a teacher, be great at it, and allow their worldview to influence how they educate their classroom. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Allow me to use one more analogy: If you want to be a missionary in a communist country, and you want to help people, share the gospel and influence the community for good, you'd better not tell the border security workers that you're a missionary. I personally don't think that you should lie about what your plans are, but you'd better have something ready to tell them when they ask you what you want to do. Many missionaries have crossed borders as English teachers, engineers, aid worker... and I'm sure many other professions. And of course, once they are there, they may be effective as missionaries as well.

Working in the media and the arts can be similar. To put it bluntly, in some places, if you introduce yourself as a Christian you won't be allowed in! As judgemental as that may be, it simply means you've got to be a bit smart about it, and follow Jesus' advice in (Matthew 10:16).

Unless you feel clearly called to "minister" only to the body of Christ, don't call yourself a "Christian _______". There will likely be some factors relating to marketing that need to be considered, if you don't want to be interpreted and labeled as a "Christian artist" right off the bat. Brooke Fraser is an example of someone who has thought through these issues really well.*

2. Make Great Art (Be Great At What You Do)

Master your craft. This is something that can't really be understated. Being excellent at what you do, and working hard at it, brings God glory, and can lead to great influence for the kingdom of God. While we were talking about this, my friend John mentioned Proverbs 22:29:

"Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank."

If you want to change the world, then this is a really important step.
Be inspired to be the absolute best you can be with the gifts that you have. Remember the parable of the talents? The three servants were all given talents "according to [their] ability" (Matt 25:15). You have the ability inside of you to be great at being you - with the great gifts that God has put inside of you! You are full of potential waiting to be untapped!!! Be the best _________ [again, fill in the blank] that you can be!!! If you're a drummer, drum! If you're a keyboard player, play that thing to the best of your ability! "Practice" might simply be the key word for you to act on. "...whatever you do..." (1 Corinthians 10:31).

3. Allow your worldview to influence what you create

This is fairly self-explanatory, but allow me to use an illustration that shows the power of this step: Last year, South Korean rapper Psy released a song named "Hangover", featuring a rapper named Snoop Dogg. In the video, they stroll through town (with Asian girls on their arms) and drink a lot of alcohol, excited about the fact that they'll wake up with a hangover the next day.
Think about it: The rappers involved did not set about to bring a "message" that encourages people to drink excessively. They simply set out to make (what they perceive to be) great music, and their worldview naturally influenced what they made. And of course, many songs like this do have an influence over peoples thoughts and actions today.
How often have you complained about the moral degradation that is taking place in popular culture these days? If you have, then you need to get behind people that follow the steps I'm talking about, and quit telling them they don't talk about Jesus enough.
IMAGINE..... if the body of Christ simply made great art, lived life, and displayed to the world, what it means to follow Christ, and allowed their (much better) worldview and assumptions to influence their music, art... we'd have less to complain about. I'd love to see more pop stars that have healthy attitudes to partying penetrate pop culture, and not just the world of Christian music.
I'd love to see followers of Christ make films that challenge shallow (and stupid) assumptions about sex, that lead to films like 50 Shades of Grey. Yes there is literally untapped potential to prophetically challenge culture through many different art forms (such as film). But it's only going to be truly effective when it comes in the form of great art.

What is it that you need to work on next? What is YOUR next step out of these three?

1) Develop how you market/present yourself, relative to a world that is at times "anti-Christ"
2) Make great art
3) Allow your worldview to influence what you do

*Extra note: Please don't take this as a knock on CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), or worship music used in corporate, or private settings. It would take a whole new post to explain the importance of worship, and the place that CCM has today. For now, I'm just emphasizing that if we want to bring lasting change our culture (something Jesus said we are called to do), there are some issues we need to think through. Read Michael W Smith's (and others) recent comments on related matters here.

Four foundations that you must have to succeed

If you’re like me, you've done some reflection leading to the New Year. I’ve done plenty of that, and in the process, I’ve decided to recommit to four values in a fresh way in 2015, and I want to encourage you to do the same. I’ve written these reflections from a Christian perspective, but if you don't believe that stuff, then I’m sure you can still benefit, just interpret them in light of your own beliefs... I believe that these are four foundational values you must have to truly succeed at what you're doing. (This year, you can expect a new blog here at least on the first of every month, all about issues pertaining to following Jesus in the media and the arts realm.)

Value #1 I’m recommitting to this year: HUMILITY

“Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18, HCSV)

Proverbs 15:33: “...humility comes before honor.”

(Note: I’ve been studying the “wisdom literature” for a college course over the summer, so a lot of Proverbs will find their way into this months post :).)

The Holy Spirit’s been really getting at me about pride lately.

“Too much pride brings disgrace;
    humility leads to honor.” (Prov 29:33)

For me, most of the time, pride is tied to insecurity. When I’m aware of who God made me to be, and that He’s in me, I’m secure and confident. But way too often, just when I have a way of thinking I’m going alright, pride sneaks up. And it usually has its own inbuilt blindspot! That’s why I desperately need the Holy Spirit, & community around me, to help me to stay humble.

Pride is very hard to sum up fully in just a few sentences, but basically, for now let’s just say it’s the opposite of humility.

Humility is seeing yourself how God sees you. Awesome, but not God.

You are made in the image of God. And God is awesome… amazing, intelligent, AND gifted. And so are you! Whatever gifts you have in particular - humility will put them to good use!

You are amazing. However………

Compared to God, you ain't all that. Everything you have and are, comes from God. As amazing as you and I are, we all pale when compared to Jesus Himself.

Humility is understanding both those things in tension.

“He guides the humble in what is right
    and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:9)

This is a prayer I need to pray again leading into 2015, and you’re welcome to join me.

“Lord, teach me humility…”

Value #2 I’m recommitting to this year: FEAR OF THE LORD

Proverbs 15:16 NIV

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

As Chuck Swindoll says, “the fear of the Lord refers to our viewing Him with the respect He deserves. It means living our lives in light of what we know of Him, holding Him in the highest estimation, and depending on Him with humble trust.”

Fear of God is linked closely with humility in the Proverbs.

“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord

Are riches, honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

Proverbs 15:33:

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility comes before honor.

“Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.” (Proverbs 16:6)

The fear of the Lord will stop you and I from sinning.

If you’re brave – ask God for more fear of the Lord this coming year.

Value #3 I’m recommitting to this year: HARD WORK

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” (Prov 12:11)

I’ve yet to hear of anyone who managed to find meaningful success in the music industry, or any media related industry, who didn’t work extremely hard for it.

If you want influence, it won’t come any other way than by hard work. (See Prov 12:24)

In the Bible, God made many promises to the Israelites, but they still had to fight to get to the promised land.

Yes, we need to work smart, and not hard, just for the sake of it.

But don’t think for a second, that you’ll find success by being lazy.

“Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.” (Prov 10:4)

Also, there’s nothing wrong with making a good income doing what you do.

“The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Prov 10:22)

Value #4 I’m recommitting to this year: FORWARD THINKING

Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. We need to have a glimpse, and continually think about the bigger picture. That is what will motivate us, and push us to do the hard work, and keep grinding, when we get weary, and the excitement about the new year wears off.

Forward thinking is thinking about the long term effects of daily decisions and habits.

It’s about making necessary changes now, that will in time reap benefits long term.

Forward thinking – is a value that I want to have, not just at the start of this coming year, but half way through the year, and ¾ of the way through the year.

Even though I know I’m going to mess up regularly, and miss prayer times that I planned on having, I want to continually get back on with things, and make those small investments that will really pay off in the long-run.

“Lord, give me your vision for 2015, and give me the grace to stick at it, even when I don’t feel like it.”

Proverbs 14:23 NIV

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

What is it that your committing to in 2015? Feel free to add any comments or other related thoughts below. :)