Living What We Believe

     I happened upon an article the other day on the internet of an interview with a Christian/secular singer.  She was telling about her new Christmas album in the piece, and saying that she respected the decision of a large Christian book seller not to carry her album.  The company had simply stated that they did not feel the album was "Christian enough" to warrant space in their stores.  Of course this brings about disagreement among some who feel this is not fair.  Yet at the same time there were several statements in the article that led me to have concern over what the artist really believes.
      Her overall tone in the interview was that God is love and He loves all people.  She should never judge anyone no matter how they live.  She also went on to say that her faith was very personal and while she sings some Christian songs, she also has a passion to explore secular music as well.  She does not feel that it is necessary to mention Jesus in all that she does.  Personally, I was surprised to read this and concerned at the same time. I have always believed that when we commit our lives to Christ our work is a reflection of our devotion to Him...it is a ministry and should glorify Him.
     A flood of Scripture came to mind like the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21:  "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Then in his letter to the Colossians in chapter 3:23-24, Paul wrote:  "23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."
     If we are slaves to Christ and given our all to Him, then, doesn't this mean that we declare him by all that we say and do?  I Corinthians 6:19-20 reads:  "…19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."  Then in the Letter to the Ephesians Paul writes:  "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  The theme running throughout Scripture indicates to me that we have a choice to make in how we live.  We either serve God with all our heart or man.  Jesus said:  "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).  Throughout the Scripture, those who are called by God to be His own and who receive the gift of salvation offered through Christ's sacrifice for our sins are then set apart and called to be holy.  This does not mean that we withdraw from all things in the world by any means, but as we walk through life, we are to be the light and salt that points to Jesus Christ as savior and Lord.
     In the article, the comments the singer made indicated a more shallow view of God and man.  The philosophy of "God is love" and loves all of us is true in the sense that He sent His Son into the world to die for our sins.  However, not all men are believers which means that they are not God's children.  They were created by Him but have chosen to live in sin.  Either this singer does not know the doctrines of the faith very well or has succumbed to a very easy believe-ism where we just all want to get along, sing pretty songs, hear easy messages that tickle the ears and be satisfied with that.
     Becoming a Christian is more than a prayer of confession and accepting Christ as Savior.  It involves a real heart change that leads to a hunger for God's Word and a desire to commune with Him in prayer.  To be a disciple is to study the doctrines of the faith and understand what we believe.  Then, we must live it out daily in all that we do.  We are called to be His witnesses in this world, to walk in faith, to teach others the truths found in the Bible and live it out in whatever occupation we have in this world.
     Certainly, I do not know the inner workings of this woman's heart.  She sounds very conflicted in her views nevertheless.  My hope and prayer for her is that she would come to know the depth of Christ so that she could better use her talent to bring others to the Lord she says she believes in.  Fame is fleeting and life is short.  We all would do well to remember that no matter what type of work we are involved in.  Let us make the most of each day and not neglect to learn the doctrines of the faith as revealed in the Bible.  Others are watching, listening, and following us whether on social media or on the job.  Therefore, let us live the faith we profess with sincere devotion so there will never be a question about where we stand when it comes to Jesus Christ.  May His name receive the glory always!  Selah!