Lyrics And Life!

It has always amazed me how a music artist (or group) whose lifestyle may not necessarily reflect much in the way of godliness, will put out a "Gospel" music album. Their musical ability may be good and the hymns or Christian songs may be very enjoyable to listen to, but have they LISTENED TO THE WORDS? Though their phrasing and voice inflection may sound like they understand the message, do they really? Or is it just another song?

I have witnessed performances of Handel's "Messiah" where believers and non-believers stood side by side singing those words. However, have they LISTENED TO THE MESSAGE AND STORY? I would agree that Handel's "Messiah" is a marvelous musical masterpiece, but the words themselves are powerful! I recently read of a performance of the "Messiah" that was attended by Handel himself. At the close of the performance people stood and turned toward Handel and applauded. Handel stood up and pointed up toward God. That was where he felt the glory and honor needed to be directed. The audience may have enjoyed the musical creation, but Handel knew the message contained in his great work.

God pointed out to Ezekiel. . .
"(30) As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, 'Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.' (31) And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and THEY HEAR WHAT YOU SAY BUT THEY WILL NOT DO IT; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. (32) And behold, YOU ARE TO THEM LIKE ONE WHO SINGS LUSTFUL SONGS WITH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE and plays well on an instrument, for THEY HEAR what you say, BUT THEY WILL NOT DO IT. (33) When this comes -- and come it will! -- then they will know that a prophet has been among them." ( Ezekiel 33:30-33 ESV)

God's message is not just words. It is not merely something for a performance. Rather, His message is FOR LIFE. And the day will come when all will come to grips with the validity of what He has revealed. May God's message be more than beautiful words to sing or listen to, but a message that means something to OUR LIFE. Let it be WORDS TO LIVE BY that we may all become a part of the story God has begun and will bring to fulfillment. May it be more than a masterpiece to please our ears, but a message to which we have LISTENED AND APPLIED to our daily life! In this way our life performed in the presence of God and the world will be applauded by Him as we allow His message to be music to our ears.

Have a great day INSPIRED FOR LIVING BY THE MESSAGE OF GOD'S SONG!
Carl

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