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. :)

The devil has some talent... it's just that Jesus is better.

I've just re-discovered a little story in the bible, that I believe tells the story of what God's gonna do in the creative arts today on a wide scale.

Exodus 7:10-13:

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

As I read this, I'd been thinking about, and was stirred by something a friend of mine said to me and showed me earlier.

This morning, I was about to jam with my friend who plays the keyboard, and happens to be a bit of a prodigy. Before jamming, he wanted to show me a Youtube clip of his friends, in a band based in Europe, which is where he's from. He told me they're not Christians, and also candidly explained that they do drugs & play music. Personally, I'm always open to hearing, and being inspired by non-Christian musicians... But this straight away got me thinking about a number of implications. Now, in this particular case, they weren't *that* inspiring to me. However, as you are probably aware, it is true that some of the music inspired by the devil's lettuce and other not-so-green substances has made our esteemed list of good old rock'n' roll standards. The devil's a great musician... It's just that the Holy Spirit is better.

It's tempting to be a little bit "overawed" by everyone's music these days, and art in general that's out there. Personally, I feel that every facet of creative outlet/expression has been, and is being done extremely well by "Christians" out there. It's just that it's about to happen in a much greater way. 'Wow... they're a Christian? They're good!' is about to become a common thought in today's industries... which for SOME might just evolve into "They're good! Are they a Christian?"

One thing that's crazy about the above story, is that Pharaoh still hardened his heart after watching what happened. Just watch how certain people will always write-off Christians and what they do, no matter what. In some cases, it'll be best to just ignore them. Get on with what God's doing. In other cases, you'll need to foster relationships with these sorts of people, and respect and love them in spite of their hard-heartedness. The apostle John had a relationship with Caiaphas, someone who was very anti-God, even helping plan Jesus's crucifixion (John 18:14-16).

In spite of what some people of power choose to do..... Look out MTV, look out Hollywood, the kingdom of God is coming. If you're a movie star, pop-star, rapper, sports-star, whoever you are, you'd better get with the program, or your days in the spotlight are numbered. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this. I love you.

"So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs." - Exodus 7:10-12

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen." -Rom 11:36

Freedom to Create: Francis Schaeffer on the Arts

You may or may not have heard of Francis Schaeffer (1912-84) before, but he wrote some great things about Art that I think are worth taking note of.

Schaeffer was one of the great thinkers, writers and leaders of last century, and his influence continues today. He was a prolific author who wrote about a number of topics, including the arts. In 1973, he published two essays entitled: “Art and the Bible” and "Some Perspectives on Art". Both are worth a read – and in the second one, he offers a perspective that seems quite radical for 1973…..

He says there are 3 basic approaches to art:

1. The first approach is to create art that is just “there”. There is no meaning to it – it is 100% abstract. “You can't talk about it, you can't analyse it, it doesn't say anything.” Schaeffer argues that no great artist has purely taken this route, noting that even “abstract” artists such as Picasso, still have their philosophy incorporated into their work.
2. The second approach, according to Schaeffer, is to use art purely as an embodiment of a message of some sort. It is nothing more than a “vehicle for propaganda”.
3. The third approach, Schaeffer says, is to go about creating great art and allow your worldview to naturally influence your art.

The third approach is the one that Schaeffer recommends, and I believe all artists would do well to consider his advice. Anyone working in the media in some way can also contextualize his advice in their field. (If one is working as a news reporter, be a GREAT news reporter, and allow your worldview to impact what you do.)

Think of an artist, (or a magazine or radio station) that is truly influential, and it is likely they are taking the third approach.

I’m not saying the second approach is necessarily wrong. Generally speaking however, an audience can tell if you are there to deliver great art/entertainment/news coverage etc, or if you are there with an overt agenda to bring a message. Generally, you are less likely to find influence with a wide audience with the second approach – and most of the audience you do find is likely to already agree with you.

Also, adopting the third approach doesn’t mean that no message can ever come forth. For some, the quest to create “great art” is likely to bring forth a message of some sort. However, when a message is birthed through the creation of genuine and quality art, it is is much more likely to be received and have an impact. Key application: There’s nothing wrong with “Christian music”… but those that choose to simply make “great music” and let their walk with God permeate what they do, are more likely to have more opportunities to be salt and light in the world today (Matthew 5:13-16).

The key to being fruitful

Right now, you are probably surrounded by multiple stimula competing for your attention. Ideas and thoughts from within, noises and beeps from the outside, and a range of voices from every conceivable direction. And while it's true that much of the time, Jesus is calling us work, to get busy and “do stuff”.... he calls us to do that from a place of rest, peace and intimacy with Him.

No matter what season of life we're in, Jesus's words to us remain:

“Abide in me, and I in you.” - John 15:4 (a)

What does this mean? “Abide”, or “Remain” (depending on the translation) means “to continue to be present”, “sojourn” or “tarry”, “not to depart”, “to be held, kept continually”... in this context, in essence it means to be connected to Christ.

And no matter what we are going through, this should be our main goal – growing closer to God.

If you desire to make a difference in this world, this becomes even more important, as the rest of the verse (in the NIV) says:

“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:4b-5

Picture a vine. A luscious green vine. It's covered in loads of big, ripe fruit. That is God's vision for your life! Lots of fruit! That branch is God's plan for your life. But here's a question... did the branch have to work hard to bear the fruit? Obviously not. In this case, all the branch had to do was remain connected to the vine. It just needed to abide, and not go everywhere.

As I write this, I feel like I'm speaking this directly to myself.

God longs for us to have fruitful, prosperous lives. However, to really achieve what He has for us, we need to be really faithful to simply abide in Him. Ironically, this is hard work..... but it's worth it.

What are some things we can do to guide us closer into Him? I am about to speak this to myself right now:

Spend time with Him. This is probably the number one thing. Overall, it's simply conversating with God. That includes talking and listening. Matthew 6:6 gives us a key to prayer. The ultimate reward is intimacy with the Father. Be real. Right now, I'm learning to be more open with God. It's not always easy, but it's good.

Read the Word. The bible is still the most important book on the planet. I must admit that from time to time, I've gotten into other books, music and movies, and they've often been good. God's met me and spoken to me there too.But the most important place to look continues to be the Bible. The Spirit breathing life over those words will transform you and guide you, and ultimately draw you closer to Christ. (Hebrews 4:12-13).

Spend time with His people. How does spending time with people draw you closer to God? God has ordained “fellowship” as a way to be inspired, encouraged and at times challenged in our walk with God. This is why Hebrews 10:25 says what it says. Sure, we can be around people too much sometimes, and we need to spend more time alone with God. But there are other times when what we need is time around good quality people. Often people in our life/group will challenge us and bother and annoy us. God often uses these sorts of people to prune us! If we want to be more Christ-like... we'll probably need to love those people! And if there's no one in your life that bugs you in some way, is it possible that you've taken the “path of least resistance”? Seek God on that one.

Will you accept my challenge, turn off your computer, and go and spend some time with Jesus right now? That's what I'm about to do right now :-).

Holy Ghost Movie speaks prophetically about the Arts

"Holy Ghost" is a recently released movie by film-maker Darren Williams. One section in particular features some surprising guests, that have some profound things to say about the arts. These are well worth reading right through:

Brian "Head" Welch:

"You know for so long - cos I was in the world forever you know.. it was like.. those are Christian people, they're all goody goodies, and they do everything right and.. they're over their [points to the side].  They're in their bubble, Christian music, Christian award shows, Christian.. everything and I just think right now.. I totally think that those walls should come down.. you don't gotta be in a country club to be a Christian.. Jesus said go out into all the world, how are you supposed to go out into all the world when you're in your bubble?"

Michael W. Smith

"So yeah, I know that my music which has been a part of Contemporary Christian Music has changed countless lives, and I'm greatful for that, but I also think... I'm not sure that we're having a whole lot of impact on our culture, and that's what bothers me about it."

Lenny Kravitz

"I don't want to follow the world, but I'm in the world. I'm from the street, and I learned and grew up in the street, I still love the streets, and I have a lot of passion for folks out in the street. We're all here to do our thing where God wants us to be and my place happens to be where it is in the world of music and rock and roll and I may reach people where others can't, and they reach people that I can't."

Gary Wilson

"What the world doesn't need are more Christian artists, what we need are more artists who have their Christianity intact, and really understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus. What it means to be a follower of Jesus does not mean to sit in the church, Sunday after Sunday and be good, and be sweet and be polite. We are called to go out into the world. I think one thing that the Western church lacks, is courage. And then you've got those people out there on the Edges.. and many Christians would [say] you know 'you shouldn't be involved in that heavy metal', or whatever the thing is, you know, heavy rap, or whatever.. but that's where the lions live, that's where the natives are, you know. We need people who when they go out there they're creating work that is birthed out love. Listen, art that doesn't have the presence of God in it is idolatry. And what we want is to bring the presence of God to the world.

The world isn't going to come inside church, the church has to go into the world."

Holy Ghost is available on DVD now.

Why Lecrae Should Matter To You (ROE Pt 3)

Rules of Engagement - Part 3: Create great art, and let your worldview influence your art

“Indeed, nowhere is culture more ‘unsalted’ than precisely in the field of the arts – and that in a time when the arts (in the widest sense) are gaining a stronger influence than ever through the mass communications.” - Hans Rookmaaker

“So get used to me, cos Imma settle in”- Lecrae

Lecrae is likely the most influential hip hop artist today that demonstrates a biblical-Christian word-view. He's proven to be a man of integrity, strong faith, and a very honest and transparent person, who openly shares about his fears, doubts and weaknesses. He's become a leader within the Christian community, but in recent years, has become known to the hip hop world in general, as a compelling artist who happens to have Christian faith. This is the concept he's basing his new record “Anomaly” around. I have never been as excited about a music release, as I am about this album. If you know me well, you'd know that's a big call.

Confession + explanation: I love hip hop music, in fact you could say I'm a BIG hip hop fan. Especially for a drummer. But I've never been solely into that style/genre. The first major CD I bought was Radiohead's third album. The most recent CD I bought was by my favourite jazz trio. Give me a CD of the latest indie band, and I might like it. Show me a singer/song-writer with soul, and I'll probably love them. I even like the odd Coldplay and Katy Perry song. I've played drums in a semi-professional jazz/fusion band, and percussion in a professional symphony orchestra. For an eclectic musician, and a fan of jazz, rock and classical – Lecrae has a lot of my attention at the moment, and there's a good reason for it.

I know that rap and hip hop isn't everyone's cup of tea. I had a good friend the other day sheepishly tell me “I don't really like hip hop” (this was while I was playing some 'underground' rap in the background). I'm ok with that. Especially considering rap/hip hops connection to popular culture, I do suggest that it if you want to forge a career in the arts or the media in some way, that you learn at least a little bit about Lecrae and his journey.

Learn from a man whose journey so far is unparalleled by any Christian in the realm of the arts today. If more people followed his basic approach, the world would be a totally different place today. Read, listen, watch, bob your head, and learn. (You could start by listening to THIS catchy new number that recently hit #1 on iTunes!!!)

In his mind, he's a missionary, but in his approach, he seeks to be the best artist he can be. His new approach combined with his hard-work and latent talent as a poet and an MC, has brought him favour within the industry, without him compromising his convictions. One rapper said in a track Lecrae might “sell a million”, and I think he might be right.

These days, he raps, connects with his crowd, makes great art, and let's his world-view influence his sound and music. But it wasn't until quite recently that he took on that approach.

For almost a decade, Lecrae has been on a journey through the world of “Christian music”. Since 2004, he has released album after album of gospel centered, spiritually edifying, doctrinally eloquent, sonically brilliant rap music. Songs like “Don't Wanna Waste My Life”, “Rebel” and “Just Like You” and many more, have become favourites to believers across the globe. Christians from many cultures and people groups, particularly those that identify with “hip hop culture”, have been encouraged and discipled by music from Lecrae and his rap crew.

Around 2012 however, he went through a major paradigm shift, and began distancing himself from the “Christian rapper” term. His music, his interviews and blog have sought to explain this. Many rappers continue the job of teaching and “discipling” Christians through their music, but it seems Lecrae was moved to reach more “lost” people.

Between 2011 and 2012 however, he documented in a blog that while he knew his music had been used to transform lives, he was still dissatisfied with the limits that labels had put on his music. He said many wouldn't even give his music a real chance, because they felt that it wouldn't speak to them. It makes sense. Why would a non-believer be interested in something marketed as “Christian”?

“I was respected by my non-religious friends, but my music to them was very limited and didn't speak to any areas of life other than salvation and living right. I sought advice and was led to books by people like Francis Shaffer, CS Lewis and others... I was challenged in more ways than you can imagine.”

He also commented on labels of artistic genres such as “Christian” and “gospel”: “Interestingly enough, those genres are the only ones categorised based off the content and not the style of music.”

Personally, I do believe that those terms can be beneficial for Christians within themselves (eg new-believers, parents and youth leaders), but the labels can be unhelpful for Christians who seek to connect and create culture for those in the world. Lecrae put it this way:

“Though it gives people identifying marks for their music, it can also (in many ways) limit their reach. Many people take these titles to mean the music is for an exclusively Christian audience. If indeed the true Gospel is what transforms people outside the faith, then why should the term Gospel seem exclusive to those in the faith? Of course that's not the intention, it's just a reality that any missionary should consider.”

As an artist, this explains why Lecrae went on a mission (from around 2012 onwards) to distance himself from the “Christian rapper” label.

As he told 50 Cents Youtube channel: “If I'm a Christian rapper, then Lupe's a Muslim rapper”.

This approach didn't fail to draw criticism. He's been criticized for wanting to be successful in the world, and for working with non-Christian artists, and a range of other things. He's responded to those critiques at various times, although the various negative blogs, and comments that can be found on his social media sites prove that we will never please everyone, this side of Christ's coming.

Thankfully, he's developed tough skin, worked hard to keep a sweet spirit, and just has simply gotten on with his mission. “I know what they saying, but I promise that I'm cool...” he rapped in his 2012 album “Gravity”.

Before the release of that breakthrough album, he released an underground mixtape. It was as successful as any hip hop album (by a Christ-follower), ever. It's essential listening if you're a hip hop fan, if you're not, maybe check out a bit of background info, and consider listening to the first single.

If you read XXL (a prominent hip hop magazine), listen to Sway (well-known hip hop DJ), and know about rappers like Kendrick Lamar, Hopsin and others... you'd know Lecrae is hitting the mark within hip hop culture. “Hype” is building for his latest album, and this makes me excited.

His first single is here (more heavy)

His second single is here (this one's far more catchy/”pop-py”.)

To further grasp his transition, compare this line in 2008 from his album "Rebel":

"Lord kill me if I don't preach the gospel"...

...to the following statement made on Facebook earlier this year:

"I know most people want every song to have a very explicit moral message but sometimes that sacrifices the art and beauty and skill of communicating. I'm still fighting to give people what they've come to expect from Albums like "Rebel" while still helping them to understand that trying to force that does a disservice to you, me, and the work God has done on me..." (full post here).

Overall, to Lecrae, “success”, is having people connect with his world-view and message. This can't happen as much, if the “artistic” quality in his music is lost because he is trying to force a particular message. He's set out to be an artist... and he's staking his claim in hip hop culture as a great one. If more artists and media professionals learn from people like him, the world would be a different place.

[Edit: Of course, Lecrae has readily admitted that he hasn't done this perfectly. He shares about his mistakes in this interview, and also in the song "If I Die Tonight" (CC2) -  "Sometimes, the first one to lead, is the first to make big mistakes / and the first one to be criticized and the first one to feel hate / But I swear the moves that I made / I was trying to work on my faith / I've been wrong before but where I'm bout to go / they won't put it all in my face / I just dared to do what they scared to do / And if I died tonight, just know - I may need an heir or two"]

[Edit #2: Rapzilla.com just announced Lecrae is releasing a new book. Even if you hate rap, keep this book on your radar as it will no doubt give a view into the mind of a great artist who still has his Christianity intact.]

What does the world need... from you?

Last week, we explored the idea of servant-hood, and what it might look like to apply Mark 10:43 to the creative spheres. (Click here to read..) Basically, it's about doing what you do, with a view to be a blessing to people, and building and creating culture that serves the needs of the people in our community, as opposed to serving our egos & bank accounts. (For some, the best way to do this is simply by finding their own creative voice, and sharing it!)

Of course, there are many “needs” in society. Within the realms of the arts & the media, I've written down what I think some of those needs are. They are in no particular order, and are certainly not exhaustive.In fact, I'm hoping you can add your own thoughts in the comments below!

I think the world needs:

Music that entertains, pleases the ear canals, and the mental & emotional pallet

Good, new indie rock bands

Artists of all kinds that are authentically themselves, that push themselves, artistic boundaries, and move and stretch their audience

Voices that speak prophetically into our culture, and address (for example) “justice issues”

Good music (of all genres... and even genres yet to be created?!)
Pop music
Rock music
And given that there will always be pop stars and rap stars.....We could do with pop/rap stars that know how to live well, have fun, love Jesus, and be cool. Essentially, good “role models”.
(Eg Singers that don't lie naked on their album covers, pay lip service to God, and allow themselves to be marketed to pre-teens.)
More films/TV series/books that entertain AND engage viewers, while exploring deep themes that give meaning to human existence (for example.... love, romance, sacrifice, overcoming adversity, etc)
Fiction, fantasy, comic, suspense thriller books that explore above said themes, and more...*
Visual art that makes the world, our churches and our living rooms, beautiful.
Visual art that stirs & confronts us out of our comfort zone.
TV stations/Media companies that will be selective in who they give air time to. (no soft porn at 4pm please. I'm hoping to have kids some day.)
Entertainment that is uplifting and fun.Jokes that make adults laughJokes that make children laugh
Jokes that make adults and children laugh (admittedly a hard task!)
Entertainers of all types that are role models that speak up for good causes from time to time
Prayers prayed for Justin Bieber (seriously)

Artists that honour, respect, learn and master the traditions found in their art-forms and then build on them, adopting various old forms, adapting them, and then innovating, pushing and progressing the art form forward in new ways
Prayers prayed for all celebrities that you've recently judged
News that informs and doesn't merely “entertain”
Pastors that will care for, and guide people into what God has called them to do - (both outside and inside the church walls)
The continuation of the "Renaissance" of the Arts that is happening within the church at largeMagazines that explore a whole range of sciences, arts, and other human endeavors
Blogs (like this one), that inform, educate and equip readers (and entertain if need be)
The world definitely needs good fashion
Skinny jeans
And even though most aren't aware, the greatest need that the world has is to hear the gospel contextualized

What would you say are some of the worlds “needs” within the realms of the Media and the Arts?