At a National Day of Prayer event in our community this morning, the
speaker was Bobby Joiner the Road
Chaplain for the Christian band Newsong, and Tour Pastor for the wildly
successful Winterjam. He's more commonly known at our house as one of my
husband's college fraternity brothers.
Joiner reminded us of the
importance of reaching our youth for Christ. He quoted Luke 18:16, words that
are actually etched into the Washington Monument. "Let the little children
come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these."
One of the ways our youth respond to the message of the gospel is
through music.
Here’s where a bit of culture clash comes into the church.
He spoke about the times he’s been rebuked by those who felt the music
he supported was not in keeping with Biblical standards or complained because
the decibel level was too high.
“The words are biblical,” he said, “And the Bible tells us to sing
unto the Lord a new song. “
He paused a moment, “No where does it say in the Bible to sing an old,
soft song unto the Lord.”
Laughter erupted in the audience, but we all had to note the truth of
his words.
We often make the music in the church about us. We want to be
comfortable when we worship. We want familiarity. But often, God is wanting to move
us out of our comfort zone and do something new.
So, as we’re praying today on this National Day of Prayer, let’s pray
for our youth, but let’s pray for older generations, too, that we all would be
willing to do whatever it takes to win the hearts of precious young men and
women to Jesus.
My newest book, Home to Currahee, available now by request at your Christian bookstore or at: Amazon Barnes and Noble Booksamillion Parable Cokesbury
My newest book, Home to Currahee, available now by request at your Christian bookstore or at: Amazon Barnes and Noble Booksamillion Parable Cokesbury