How to Pick a Fight with a Christian

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The fastest way to start a fight with a Christian is to engage him or her in a conversation about music – music for church as well as what they play on their mp3 player or in their car.  The hymns vs. praise song battles are well documented and that is a can I will leave closed for now.  Most would be surprised, however, to find that many believers are just as defensive about their personal choice of music AWAY from church as they are about the kind of music they prefer IN church.

When King Saul rebelled against God, the Bible says the spirit of the Lord departed from him and a “harmful” spirit from the Lord tormented him (1 Samuel 16).  Without going into the exegesis of the “harmful spirit,” suffice it to say, Saul was miserable.  His advisors suggested someone come and play music in order to soothe his spirit.  By God’s designed, the greatest worship song writer ever, David, came to play for Saul.

“And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.” 1 Samuel 16:23

David’s music affected Saul in three positive ways: emotionally (refreshed), physically (was well), and spiritually (the harmful spirit departed).

Because music has access to the deepest resources of our being, we need to be aware of its effects on our lives and be more discriminating with the music to which you listen.  Worldly music exposes us to worldly values, and Biblical music exposes us to Biblical truth.

I am not referring to style, but rather to message.  Musical tones and sounds are the vehicle in which thoughts and ideas travel to the deepest resources of our being.  I challenge you to pay more careful attention to lyrics.  Do away with junk and instead choose music that exalts Christ, is consistent with Biblical truth, and brings your thoughts captive to Christ.

Turn off the world’s garbage and choose instead to listen to good “Christ-centered” music.  You will find it amazing how beneficial truth accompanied by music can affect your mood, thinking, and ultimately your actions.

 

Book Review of Dr. Charles Stanley’s Latest Book

I recently experienced the blessing of reading Dr. Charles Stanley’s latest book Emotions: Confront the Lies, Conquer with Truth.  For years I have studied, taught, and preached about the ongoing battle between what we feel and what we know.  Dr. Stanley draws on a lifetime of personal study and pastoral ministry to provide an invaluable resource for understanding what the Bible teaches about the proper role of emotions in our lives.

Dr. Stanley begins the book with a look at how God has provided all that is necessary for us to triumph over our emotions rather than letting them rule our lives.  He sets forth from the beginning the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ to winning this ongoing battle.  One cannot overcome emotions without trusting God and trusting His Son’s death on the cross for eternal life.

Dr. Stanley deals with five of the most crippling emotions we face – fear, rejection, bitterness, guilt, and despair.  He reminds us that fear is the primary emotion behind the other defeating emotions and shows with each chapter how five basic components help us realize the victory God has provided for us.  

  • Experiencing the new birth
  • Examining the thoughts that dominate our lives
  • Exchanging our thought patterns
  • Exercising the powerful privilege of prayer
  • Expecting healing to begin immediately

One very helpful element of the book was a chart at the conclusion of each chapter that contrasted the enemy’s lie and God’s truth.  A model prayer and questions for reflection followed those charts.  The charts provided a visual framework to help with the practice of exchanging thought patterns.  The questions opened my mind to practical application of the truth in my life.

To paraphrase Dr. Stanley at the close of the last chapter, our proof of success in overcoming our emotions is control them rather than having our feelings dominating us and to employ your understanding of them for the good of others and the glory of God. This book goes a long way to helping us achieve that goal.  I could not recommend a book more highly.  This one is a MUST READ.  Some of my family members can expect to get one for Christmas.