Several weeks ago, I was channel surfing and came across the Video Music Awards on MTV. As a pastor and a preacher, I understand the importance of staying familiar with cultural trends in-order to remain connected to my congregation and to be able to preach sermons that reach contemporary audiences. BET, MTV, and other youth oriented media offer illuminating glimpses into the cultural shifts taking place today. So, every parent, leader, and any Christian who takes their role seriously, as “salt in the earth,” ought to have some awareness of what our children (and adults) are into these days. Karl Barth said,
“The Pastor and the Faithful should not deceive themselves into thinking that they are a religious society, which has to do with only certain themes; they live in the world. We still need both the Bible and the newspaper.” Today, he might add…and the remote control.
The more I watched the Video Awards, the more I began to reflect upon the impact this culture is having on the thoughts, values, and behavior of our youth and young adults. If music and dance are outward expressions of the thoughts and emotions, then, we should carefully consider what our musical performers are revealing about what’s going on in the minds and hearts of today’s youth.
All of us know that our thoughts control our behavior; but how many of us are aware that our pattern of behavior and the messages we receive, shape how we think? Recent studies have demonstrated that our brains are dramatically affected by what we hear; what we do, what we say, and how we behave. If the old saying is true; “You are what you eat,” then it is also true that; “We are what we hear, say, do, and think.”
For this reason I’m concerned that we as Christians, too often absorb aspects of our culture without properly reflecting upon the implications. We must be vigilant about what we allow our minds and hearts to dwell on so that we are being formed by the things of Christ and not by the distorted values of our culture. Just like an IT person will warn computer users about unfiltered internet sites introducing viruses into our computer systems, Christian leaders must warn believers of the dangers of an unfiltered acceptance of value viruses that corrupt our spirits.
Paul reminds us; “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5)
Let me state clearly, “I reject the form of isolationist Christianity that attempts to withdraw itself from culture and society.” We cannot put Saran Wrap around ourselves to insulate us from all of life’s cultural toxins. Rather, we should do the hard work of holding what we watch, read, and hear up against the spotlight of God’s Word and identify the contrasts, so that we ultimately align our thoughts to God’s Will.
Important Life Lessons Learned from Entertainers
There were some entertainers whose performances during the video awards, not only did I enjoy, but also took away some important life lessons. Two of those were Chris Brown and Beyonce Knowles. If anyone has the potential to be the legitimate heir to Michael Jackson, as the best all-around performer, Chris Brown is the one.
I pray that he has learned from his past unacceptable behavior--because verbal and physical abuse must not be tolerated no matter how talented, wealthy, or powerful an individual may be. Hopefully, he has now matured enough to handle his fame and fortune. Chris Brown teaches us that forgiveness, grace, and restoration are always available no matter how badly we mess up.
Beyonce is an amazingly talented singer, dancer, writer, and business woman. Her performance was electrifying and yet, classy. She reminds us that God gives each of us gifts, but we must identify them and work hard to discipline ourselves for those gifts to reach their fullest potential. And they both taught us that when you’re really talented, you don’t need foul language and don't need to expose body parts in-order to grab the audience’s attention. Don’t you find it to be true that, the better the singer, the less profanity; the better the dancer, the less exposed body parts?
Unacceptable Language Used by Entertainers
However, many in this generation have lost all sense of shame. There was certain language used during the Video Music Awards that was crude and unacceptable, but was performed without reservation in spite of how it may offend some and negatively influence young children. Gone are the days when someones mother would threaten to wash their mouths out with soap–because mom is using the same language. There is no longer a
sense of discretion regarding dress. Some of the most popular acts attempt to compensate for limited talent by displaying the most body parts and wearing underclothes, as if they were meant to be outerwear. While some
may suggest that I’m simply being “old fashioned” or prudish, the truth is that these behaviors change how we think about ourselves, about one another, and about God.
The Values of the Kingdom of God
The church; every called out believer in Christ, must rediscover our clear, strong voice and speak to the culture, not be shaped by it. The values of the Kingdom of God must be proclaimed with new power and passion. Christians must model the love of Christ in every area of our lives so that our youth see what truly victorious living is all about. When Lil Wayne is telling our youth how to love; Lady Gaga is telling them how to dress; and Cee Lo Green is telling them how to speak, the church must offer an alternative that is life-affirming and transformative.
The language of the church provides a stark contrast to the language and the images of MTV and BET. Unfortunately, many aren’t a part of the community of believers to hear it, and many of those who are in church have allowed their hearing to become spiritually deaf and their speaking to become prophetically muted.
Values of Christ and His Church Vs. Culture
Consider the contrasts between the values presented by Christ through His church and those of the culture:
1. Christ and the church say, “Worship is about God and is eternal, transcending time and space.”
Culture says, “It’s all about me and what feels good here and now!
2. Christ and the church say, “The cross is the symbol of one’s belief in God’s unconditional love and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.”
Culture says, “The cross is just a piece of jewelry flaunted to show style and wealth.”
3. Christ and the church say, “Love is other directed and self-giving.”
Culture says, “Love is self-centered and self-satisfying.”
4. Christ and the church say, “If you want to be great, humble yourselves and become like a servant.”
Culture says, “If you want to be great, promote yourself and become narcissistic.”
5. Christ and the church say, “We are to be both responsible for our actions and accountable to God and one another.”
Culture says, “It’s my prerogative; I can do what I wanna do.”
Therefore my brothers and sisters; pick up your Bible in one hand and your remote control in the other,
then clear your throat--because we’ve got something important to say.
As Chris Brown would say; “Holla at me!”
Peace & Blessings,
Pastor, W. Darin Moore
**Pastor Moore will share a specific topic each month with the Greater Centennial congregation.
Please submit all questions for Pastor's Blog, "Moore Moments'' by the10th of each month to
pastorsblog@www.greatercentennial.org ."
