Christian Music: What Am I Really Saying?
Posted on 08. May, 2012 by Martin Schmaltz in Random Stuff
So I am sitting here at the office (Starbucks) working on my series Living The Attrational Lifestyle of the Kingdom, listening to a Pandora station, Jesus Culture, and the lyrics of the song hit me ~ kinda in a wrong way! As I listen further, my mind (and hopefully) spirit begins to reel with what the underlying meaning of the words and the actual limiting affect they represent.
Ok, you say, what are the words? Well, they are “let it rain.” So what is wrong with that you ask? In a nutshell, it is asking God to pour out something he has already done, IMHO. During my spiritual growing up, we would excitedly sing songs like “Send It On Down” or “Holy Spirit Rain Down,” expecting some “move of God” if you will during our services. This idea seems to be common in christian music. A basic search of Christian Lyrics.com gives us a list of songs like “Let It Rain, Let Your Mercy Rain, Healing Rain, Rain Down, Rain Song, Rain Down On Me” and many others.
What struck me about these type of songs is that not only are we asking God for something he has already done, I believe the underlying mindset is that we needs something else from God to “fall down” on us to motivate, inspire or complete us. In short, we are STILL WAITING for God to DO something else!
If we are born again, we have the spirit of Christ in us: He is complete and we are complete in Him. He said he needed to go away, that he might return to be in us. It is His spirit that should guide us. Speaking of the Spirit, Jesus said “out of your bellies” would flow this river of living water. I believe what we should be focusing on is dying to self and allowing His spirit in us to begin to manifest through us, not wait for some external zap to motivate me to action.
So what do you think? Am I off base, making something out of nothing? Or do you agree?
Ok, back to my regularly scheduled writing!
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Dr Martin lives in St Louis with his wife Ava and their dog Zoe. He is available to speak to your local assembly, organization or ministry. His focus is ministering the principles of Kingdom Authority that empower believers to use their spiritual gifts, demonstrating the miraculous power of Jesus and his kingdom. The results: increased faith and the potential for greater revival and harvest. For more about our ministry check us out here
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9 Responses to “Christian Music: What Am I Really Saying?”
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Cindy
08. May, 2012
Target acquired! Great point Martin. Well thought out and very accurate. I love all of the songs mentioned but I completely agree with the foundational truth you have shared.
Martin Schmaltz
08. May, 2012
Thanks Cindy. I have been “moved” many times in the past by the same songs. I think in general they express a sincere desire. It is the process of manifestation I think that is in question.
Sid
26. May, 2012
awesome! Applies in so many ways.
Martin Schmaltz
27. May, 2012
Thanks Sid. B blessed
Paula
15. Jun, 2012
Once again….great post! Of course, I say ‘Christian Music’ ….there is no such thing because it only become ‘Christian’ by the words….the music remains …music
Buck Malphrus
28. Jun, 2012
Martin, we are tracking together on a lot of fronts and this one in particular. As a part of a worship team and guitarist/occasional songwriter, I am constantly disappointed in the “Christian Music” scene. Because it is big business now, it seems that marketing has taken over and the focus has changed – from ministry to God and proclamation to a dying world – to what is going to tickle ears and sell albums. I’m reminded that Jesus wasn’t in favor of doing things the way that the Gentiles do them. Thanks for your post!
Martin Schmaltz
28. Jun, 2012
Thanks for the comment Buck. Miss those Starbucks discussions!
Kristina
24. Jul, 2012
Interestingly enough we sang that “Send it on down” song this past Sunday and I just couldn’t sing along. I always had a problem with the “it” part. Holy Spirit is a Person.I’m also becoming more aware of songs that reference Jesus to being a “future” King. … great post!!
Martin Schmaltz
24. Jul, 2012
Thanks Kristina. There are a few songs I can’t sing any longer. Just don’t agree with what they say. For instance, “I Surrender All.” The Word never speaks of us surrendering to God, but submitting. Surrender is something you do when pressured or under duress. Submission is what I choose to do. Plan to do a Kingdom Note on this in the future. Be blessed.