Saturday, March 31, 2012

Skinny Jean Saturdays

I just listened to the Christian rap single of a neighbor kid turned young man, Daniel Cooper aka ‘Danny Da Paperboy Cooper’. The name of his track is MOH( Ministry Over Hiphop). Quite frankly, it made me somewhat emotional. I heard his first album and was impressed, but not really moved. This single moved me. As I listened to the content of his lyrics, it was obvious to identify growth and maturity. More important, his worship to God was foremost. Simply put, this (honoring God before his passions) was the message.

Matthew 5:13-14 reads ‘You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven’.

After hearing the track for the third time, this is what came to mind.

It’s easy to ‘go with the flow’ of the crowd. Without giving much thought, you may find yourself saying or doing something that's mainstream and trendy. Whether it is the latest fashion or movie, you wear and watch without reflection. Your conscience may never filter that you are just like everyone else. Sometime ago, my wife made a profound comment. To loosely quote her: “Everyone who wants to be different, aims to be different. With time, they become friends with others who are ‘different’ not realizing that there’s a significant amount of ‘different’ people”. Her point: The different group is a ‘crowd’ not making them unique at all. They’re all doing the same thing. Whether it be rejecting  a conservative way of life or getting tattoos (I have 3), wearing skinny jeans (my wife wears them every Saturday), listening to only underground music, or drinking at coffee houses; they fail to realize what they set out to do is not being accomplished. Today, it appears honoring God by obeying and serving Him is truly as different as it gets.  
This lifestyle is truly challenging.

There are so many obstacles facing one who decides to act obediently to God’s command, especially for young, unmarried men and women. I remember how difficult it was for me as a single. There was no consistent one-on-one accountability or encouragement. The quiet rejections of my faith were directly obvious.  Now, the only change is having a companion to share my moral battles. This is why it’s so impressive witnessing a young man challenge, not only you, but himself to put God before his dreams. That’s noteworthy.

There’s a 1917  infamous poster of Uncle Sam pointing with the words “I WANT YOU…” It was used to recruit soldiers for World War I and World War II. God has been calling you in this fashion to fight his war since your birth. As corny as this sounds, ‘Answer the call!” Living a Christian lifestyle will not be convenient, as you will be offended, mocked, and categorized. However, if you want a life of meaningful purpose, that will leave a legacy to others; this is the life for you.

If you desire to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.

http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things