Other Comforts

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:15-17)


I'm not an ascetic kind of person in my faith.  I am very dedicated to things that have nothing to do with God's kingdom.  The most basic of these is music and movies.  John Wesley writes in one of the early Methodist hymnals (These words are reprinted in the the front of our current hymnal) for the congregation to "Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, then when you sung the songs of Satan."  For a quick look click to this link http://www.gbgm-umc.org/BensalemPA/wesley.html.

Wesley's little jab at secular music stings me.  I grew up when the church decried that my chosen music, rock 'n' roll, was the devil's music.  Now we play rock and pop music in the worship of our Lord and even use secular recordings as walk in music.  Some criticize that to do so is to water down the gospel.  Others say, "It's only music."  I am somewhere caught in the middle.  I have always loved rock music and the older I get the harder I like it. My son AJ is into really heavy stuff and its rubbed off on me.

My issue is this: On Ash Wednesday I bought tickets to see Van Halen.  I lead the 7 a.m. Ash Wednesday service, but took a pass on the evening service.  It was all good, but I wonder at what level I am not taking this journey seriously when I have been to two concerts this week and have tickets for another during Holy Week.

I justified my decision because I had never seen Van Halen before and, with them in their late 50's, I may not see them again.  Friday's concert was very important to me personally because I love the local band Healing Sixes and this was to be their last concert.  I wanted to be there for them.  The lead vocalist, Doug, plays on my current music recording project.  I wanted to be there for Doug.  And I am very glad I did go.  It was meaningful and wonderful.

Van Halen was great, but I wrestled with my decision during the night.  I had a good time, but not a great one because I was tired and I was struggling with the self focused decision I made in going.  It would have been easier to shrug it off, but I am deciding to wrestle with it here.

God loves me.  God loves me at Van Halen concerts.  God loves me when I make selfish decisions.  God shines through me when I make selfless decisions and help others.  I know what is right. I also know this decision was no big deal.  The evening service went off wonderfully with Pastor Glenn leading.  So why am I making it a big deal?

Is this unhealthy guilt or true guilt which can lead to healing and restoration to right relations with God?  I grew up in a home where guilt was often used to control behavior.  I have my own inner guilt merchant bartering with me to see if I will buy.  But it's not as easy for me to call this struggle pointless.  I made a decision to be entertained and visit yesteryear, to see a band I couldn't see when I was a young lad in high school. Was I trying to have a nostalgic experience?  Was I hoping to feel young again by hearing the music of my youth?  I don't think so.

I have set God's embrace as my destination for Lent and this fast.  I am finding that old comforts like rock music and movies, which are a regular part of my daily activities, are drawing into question my true desire.  If I truly desire God, why then do I not spend more time with God?

There you have it.  There is my problem with these habits.  God has redeemed them.  I take God with me to movies and He speaks to me through secular music as well as a praise song, albeit creatively.  I don't think God is asking me to denounce rock music as the devil's or to stop consuming Hollywood delights.  I do, however, feel the tug to be more intentional about the time I spend with Him.  I cannot taste and see that he Lord is good if I am so full of other comforts.

What are your other comforts getting in the way of a deeper taste of the goodness of the Lord?


Dear Father, Thank You for loving me as I am.  Thank You for music, movies and all those who create these forms of entertainment which move hearts and minds.  I dedicate myself to a discipline of seeking You wherever I may be.  Help me to develop a spiritual life that changes everything.  Help me to come to You first before I turn to other comforts.  Then all my comforts will be sanctified by Your presence.
In Jesus, I humbly ask.  Amen.