Are You Just Singing From Memory?

By Rev. Craig A. Brown

Psalm 139:23-24 reads “Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (KJV)

As a young lad growing up in the church, I can recall singing, “Have thine own way Lord. Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me, after thy will, while I am waiting yielded and still.” “All to thee my, blessed Savior, I surrender all.” “Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord to thy precious bleeding side.” And of course the Church Of God In Christ anthem, “Yes Lord…!” These songs had the inference of a heart that longed for change.

The difference between an unconverted and converted man is not that the one has sins, and the other has none but that the one takes part with his cherished sins against a dreaded God and the other takes part with a reconciled God against his hated sins. (William Arnot)

One of the attributes of sin is to hide man from himself, conceal his deformity which will prevent him from forming a just conception of his true condition. In a world driven by success, self-examination in the light of God’s Word feels so unsatisfactory. No Christian has ever found this practice easy.

King David was a mighty warrior, a great strategist, a man of courage, King of Israel; but never did he display such intrepidity as when he determined to look into his own heart!

Recently, gospel artist Tonex shared his thoughts regarding the challenges in the Christian music community. He lamented the back-biting, bureaucracy and pretense. These challenges and more propelled him to resign from the industry. During his acceptance speech at the 2006 Stellar Awards, Fred Hammond acknowledged that there are “haters” affiliated with the industry. Hezekiah Walker was the most recent victim of a character assassination attempt.

The industry that should be compelling unbelievers to acknowledge their need for Jesus as Savior, edify and comfort the believers is more concerned with being politically correct and non-offensive to the unbeliever. Instead of being a beacon of light in the dark world of music that contradicts biblical principals, they are partaking of the cup of "hater-ade" that causes them to harm their brothers and sisters in Christ. What a contradiction of the grace of God!