The convention has finally taken a stand against music that encourages emotionalism, music that strokes believers’ emotions and plucks the heartstrings of the lost.
This music is a quick-fix pick me up emotional Band-Aid used to show off. It lacks real life change and eternal benefits, multitudes flock to it like toddlers to candy. It only satisfies immediate desires, but never delivers the message of Jesus and the gospel (2 Tim. 4:2-4.)
No wonder the convention has already pulled these songs. At the time of our pastor’s conversation, we had unknowingly been rehearsing a couple of the songs produced by a few prosperity churches that only use this gospel to build their kingdoms, not the one that lasts forever.
I thank God for this awakening within the church; I have been a staunch opponent of the “worship” music culture since the late 90s. Not because I’m special, but because I’ve been on the other side of the battle lines against God. I understand how the darkside of life feels and thinks, it only seeks to satisfy its selfish desires.
After my accident I was set free, I had an a-ha moment when my eyes were opened to mankind’s love for pleasure no matter how it’s masqueraded: power, sex, money, position, reputation or dreams.
One night I prayed God would give me another chance at life and new desires. I wanted to be completely in love with Him. Martin Luther wisely said, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” God’s Word is golden. What do you desire?
Desires?
Desire means, “To long or hope for, to express a wish for.” My hope and prayer for this new year are that if the career and passions I am pursuing aren’t God’s will, then He’d give me new hopes, dreams, and desires. The psalmist was right, as long as I have God, I’ve got what I need (Psalm 23.)
Don’t we celebrate the new year because the old is gone and the future is full of possibilities? I don’t want to waste another year chasing my heart’s desires if they’re not what God desires for me.
King David wrote something similar (Psalm 51.) The chosen king knew how rotten his heart was and the only way for it to be changed was an act of God. Don’t think this flaw only applies to our Jewish forefathers who had a powertrip.
When the other “Son of David,” the Messiah, Jesus arrived He taught His followers to give God their whole hearts (Matthew 22:37.) The real blessing is being restored to a right relationship with a Holy God, not some sick twisted lie about ruling this world. The only way a person can live their best life now is if they’re not a Christian—because this world is a little bit better than hell.
When God’s people focus more on worldly blessings, our hearts become prideful like our Jewish forefathers’, pride is a heart condition. The apostle Paul warned the church to never boast about anything other than God (Gal. 6:12-14.)
Heart issues?
I was taught we must give our hearts to Jesus and surrender our lives to be right with Him. Nowadays it’s as if following Jesus requires no sacrifice and it’s more about Jesus giving us whatever we want in our hearts.
This sick feel-good no commitment is an abomination to the true Christian faith. You can’t give your heart to God and still love and pursue the things of this world, it’s only lipservice. There isn’t enough room in our hearts for both God and earthly things.
This is why Jesus was constantly telling His followers they couldn’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24.) In our bodies, our hearts are one of the most important organs; it is just as important spiritually as well.
It’s clear why David prayed for a new heart and not for God to simply multiply the things he had. David’s love was above not here below, that is where we should find our joy. David knew he had a heart condition and that is why I pray God will use me and give me new desires.
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