On BSR Episode #11 I shared some great conversation with Jerry Davison, drummer/singer/founder of the Christian rock band Jacob’s Trouble. One of the JT songs discussed was “You Scare The Hell Out Of Me” from the bands 3rd album, Let The Truth Run Wild.
What I loved about that song, besides the controversial title, was the clear way that it spoke of the awe and respect for God that we should have as true Christ followers. His power, glory and might should elicit a proper response from believers,and that response should be a good dose of healthy fear. Not fear as in terror, but fear as in awe, gratitude and humble reverence.
Another song that does this for me is Third Day’s “Trust in Jesus”.
Based on (Matthew 12:36) “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,” The song’s opening lines serve as a melodic attitude check, and often force me on my knees in prayers of confession.
“One of these days we all will stand in judgment for Every single word that we have spoken. One of these days we all will stand before the Lord Give a reason for, everything we’ve done…”
That thought should scare the Hell out of everybody, literally. As a culture dominated by social media and instant communication, I am shocked by what people will say on these forums. Emboldened by the isolated nature of our media devices, we feel free to say things most of us would never dare say in person, yet we have no problem unleashing them on the internet.
I am especially disturbed by some of the off-color and suggestive comments that many “Christians” post as well. Look folks, I’m really happy your sex life is going well right now, but can you please keep the verbal foreplay and activity recaps to yourself?
And then there are the online “Crusaders”. These activists constantly engage in heated culture war debates and theological discourse. I’m willing to say that their intentions are noble, but with the level of anger and sarcasm used in communicating, I seriously question how effective this style is in sharing the Good News of the Cross and showing the world we are Kingdom citizens by our love towards each other. This goes for crusaders on the “right” and “left”.
To be transparent, I have been guilty of the latter, and have had to confess my own sin. As a result, I now work to check my heart and motivations in the things that I post and tweet. More recently, I have been convicted over the “coarse talk” and certain kinds of “off color” joking that I take part in.
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)
I realize that sometimes it’s just not that easy to control the things we communicate, and there will be many failures along the way. But when confronted with verses like (Matthew 12:36) and the harsh truth that we will all give an account for EVERYTHING that we say, how can we not be scared straight? After all, isn’t a healthy fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom?
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