continuation…..
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I was attached to songs in such a deep way that they were my anchors and pillars in certain areas of my life, unknowingly. And I say unknowingly, not referring to not being aware, but not completely understanding. There is an in-depth understanding. That's what's required to completely be free. Because then our choice is an informed one. And not from a place of ignorance.
I think this is where the term idols come in. But it's deeper than what we realise.
Why do we mount idols?
Why do we have idols in the first place?
What's their purpose?
What gap are they trying to fill?
What leads to people having idols?
Why do we turn to this or that for this or that (‘idols’)?
So yeah, it became my idol unknowingly, but God wasn't threatened by it being an idol in my life. No. I believe we sometimes misinterpret and assume God’s methods. I believe we sometimes try to restrict God’s methods. I believe we assume we are powerful enough to push God away. IMPOSSIBLE. There's no idol, nor free will of man that can limit or restrict the manifestation of God in any way. God can still be present in your life even if you still have idols.
What happens is the idols have to go. And so He helps you come to a knowing and understanding that causes you to get rid of these idols. It's an informed decision. He only steps out when you have been informed, and you still choose to hold on to those idols. That's a lack of trust. That's you making an informed decision.
But I'll point out that He created us all differently. He relates with everyone differently. His method to me may just be entirely different to His methods to you because He knows just how to reach every human being personally.
He knew exactly why I needed music, at the core and foundation of who I am, who He created me to be. And so He worked on my mind and heart instead. God didn't feel threatened that I listened to some ‘secular’ songs more than I listened to what people will call ‘christian’ songs. Instead, He helped me seek Him in every area of my life. To seek knowledge and truth and slowly but surely His light penetrated every aspect of my life, including my choice of songs, it still does.
I would listen to some songs and He would interrupt and ask me questions. Sometimes I had no answer. Sometimes I had answers that were wrong. But He kept meeting me in my place. Meeting me in that core and because of His presence alone, light began to penetrate. Those questions began to expose lies and a lot of things that made sense but were wrong.
But remember I said methods? He wasn't just exposing the lies but replacing them with truths. And because we aren't capable on our own, He began to separate me from the idols and replace Himself as my anchor for everything. My pillar for everything. He did this without my conscious contribution at the start, because I couldn’t. Not on my own.
God is Light. He penetrates every darkness and He plants seeds of truth that He helps us nurture and cultivate. These grow into good fruits in our lives and we begin to see. The veil is taken off our eyes. And so we see things for what they are. Not just as idols to us, but the reasons behind them. The lies that fuel them. The deception that others are also under.
So it's not an avenue to ridicule or belittle anyone or make them feel terrible about themselves. Truth should bring about empathy and a sense of connection. Why do believers disconnect? Something you struggled with too. You've overcome, beautiful, but that should make you even more empathetic and knowledgeable of the foundation of lies that that sin is based on. And so we are armed with the right weapons in tackling it.
And instead of putting it in their faces and pointing out their flaws, something that was once your flaw. Why not understand? Why not try God’s approach.
I can listen to songs from the world now and it has no hold over me by the grace of God. It's a continuous work God is doing in me. It never stops. But now I listen with an agenda. I listen to connect because the mission is to share this light I have received. I listen to try to understand what their lies are, go back to God to find the truths,so I can help shed light.
There are so many things God did in me and for me to get me to this place, and He is still working in me, constantly working, and now, I'm working with Him by His grace. Amen.
I feel like I've said a lot of things and it's jumbled up and it may not make sense, but I'm just going to trust the Holy Spirit who led me down this ‘thought path’ to bring to your understanding all He needs to.
Worshipping God and music for entertainment are not the same thing.
But what we do for entertainment can and should still revere the One who made us. There is such a thing as clean, pure and light-filled entertainment.
But don't treat what is entertainment dirty because you are placing it side by side something greater and holier, like worship.
We listen to music for something different. We worship, for something different.
My Pastor said something this year. Music isn't worship. Worship isn't music. But music can be a medium for worship. We can worship God through songs.
But on their own, songs have their own agenda. Find out what that is, then find out if there are lies, and what lies are being sold, so we know what truths (weapons) to tackle them. And then allow the light you have, permeate through music and create a new narrative.
Thank you!
