Last Sunday we had Cecil Todd, of Revival Fires fame, preaching at River of Life Church, in Smyrna, TN. His altar call for the morning service really struck at my heart. He started with a startling statement. He said that thousands of Muslim activists are willing and waiting to give their lives in martyrdom for Allah. Then he asked the startling question, "How many of you would be willing to die for your Christianity?". Naturally, 95% of the congregation raised their hands to a host of "Amens". Then Cecil Todd through a curve ball. He said that he didn't doubt that most of them would stand up for their salvation if it came to it, but how many were willing to LIVE their Christianity. Wow, hands went down quickly, as the realization that much more commitment was needed to live for Him than die for Him. Don't we all know tons of people who affirm that they are born again Christians, but when you see the actions of their lives, you can't really tell for sure. This little example of what Cecil Todd said has stayed with me all week, it was that powerful.
Most of you who know me, know that everything that goes through my brain, goes through a Southern Gospel filter. So, kept trying to figure out how this powerful example could fit into our world of SGM. I don't doubt that most every Gospel singer and fan would stand up and be ready to die for their RIGHT to sing the Gospel. Whether you like Gospel Music for entertainment or ministry, we tend to forget that our message and ministry is in the words of the songs. For that reason alone, you would have to kill me if you were seriously telling me that I could not sing the Gospel ever again.
Now, in the manner of Cecil Todd, let me ask you, are you willing to LIVE for singing Gospel music. Of course this means willing to live a Christ-like lifestyle, but what about some other things. Are you willing to work to sing or play Gospel music? Are you willing to practice until you have attained your very best sound and performance? Are you willing to spend a little money to help promote your ability to reach the maximum people with your singing or playing? Are you wiling to pray before you get to your event that God will get the most people there who need to be uplifted or saved? There are probably a hundred more question that I could ask if you are willing to do to LIVE for singing Gospel Music.
How many times do we just "show-up", and think that fans will "show-up", just because we are there? Did we send out E-mails, postcards, newsletters, newspaper ads, and even make phone calls to do our part to see that seats are filled. If we want Gospel Music to become as successful as it has been in the past, then we have to LIVE for it, and not just be willing to die for it.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 02/12/2009
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Category: Editorials
Comments: 3
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I usually don't agree with you deon, but this time you have hit the mark square center. I enjoyed this and will take it with me. Thanks.
Great!!! Great!!!. I will stand up and say "YES" I am willing to "LIVE" for Singing Gospel Music.
Thanks Deon for making us think... We appreciate you.
2nd Generation
http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com
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Deon, thanks for the insight here. You are all so right, Not only in our christian walk, to strive to be christ like, but this attitude is exactly what Gospel Music needs too. Folks who know it, love it and sing it need to give it all the respect it deserves. It is a privilage to be able to sing the Gospel and I for one am going to take your words to heart and work harder, Thanks for all you do for Gospel Music.
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