How You Live - REALLY????

Okay - so I haven't blogged in a while - come close, but never held on to the thought long enough to actually sign on and write something.

Today that changes....

So I am driving to work this morning and I'm listening to the local "positive, uplifting, safe-for-the-whole-family" radio station (read: pseudo contemporary Christian music). And I hear a song that catches my attention. For a while now, I've used my 1/2 hour morning commute to pray, praise and reflect - sometimes with accompaniment (from aforementioned radio station), sometimes without.

Back to the song.

It's called "How You Live" - recorded by Point of Grace - a female gospel group (their website's description, not mine). I typically enjoy their music. However, this song, as upbeat as it can be, is disturbing to me, a believer. Let me illustrate why I feel this way.

The chorus includes the following advice:
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

My friends - that's just not true! It is Who you knew. And that is Jesus. And it's not about how you live - it's because He lived (and died and rose!). How we live really is immaterial until we accept this gift. Then how we live should change and more importantly is covered by His grace that this vocal group's name is based upon.

And another thing about these lyrics.......

The second verse includes more sage (sarcastic tone here) advice:
So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man

Please, by all means, be kind and compassionate to all people, particularly those less fortunate than you. And absolutely, pray for others, and be sure to include those with heavy hearts. But if you do it simply to stave off any negative repercussions that may be visited upon you if you don't practice these noble deeds, then forget it! That's not the point. Equally as pointless: if you engage in any of these apparent good acts for reward! Do it because it has been done for you by our Father first and foremost! That IS the point.

So, off my soapbox now. The ladies of Point of Grace have recorded some great pieces. This isn't one of them. In their attempt to "organically cross over into the country genre" I fear they have compromised the message!