Music has always been a major influence in my life. My parents were band directors. My dad was a minister of music, and I also served as a music minister. But it’s not just any one type of music. I love it all. As a child, I remember daily singing Elvis’ Greatest Hits in my living room and even seeing Porter Wagoner and George Jones at the Grand Ole Opry. The first album I bought with my own money was No Doubt’s “Tragic Kingdom” (1996). I’m a karaoke king. Classic country, rock, hip-hop, alternative…you name it, I probably know it.
Do you notice how some albums have a small label on the cover that reads: Parental Advisory, Explicit Content. The word explicit means “to be stated clearly, in detail, leaving no room for doubt.” It indicates the album contains lyrics not suitable for young ears (usually not suitable for anyone). It means the artist arranged lyrics in a way that left no doubt in their theme and subject matter.
I realize it might be a stretch, but the “explicit content” warning also makes me wonder about my public Christian life. What does my life (my words, my actions) explicitly convey about me? I wish we could all honestly reply, “I explicitly live for Christ. ” But do we truly? Is there any ambiguity or lack of clarity concerning our purpose, the way we live our day-to- day lives? Take a moment to consider these questions. If you’re brave, ask a friend to answer them for you:
What do you spend most of your time doing?Where do you spend most of your free time? How do you spend your money? With whom do you spend your free time?
What do you talk about most? What do you think about most? How do you use your talents? What do you listen to? Watch? Read?
If I’m honest, far too often I allow my love for Jesus to be IMPLIED rather than EXPLICIT. I live a moral life, but I miss many opportunities to share the Gospel, to offer to pray for someone in Jesus’ name, to invite someone to worship the King of Kings with my Eastmont family, etc. This week, with Easter Sunday only days away, the good news of the resurrection is too important to go untold. I challenge us all to be EXPLICIT CHRISTIANS! Live your life in a way that the kingdom of darkness needs to slap an advisory sticker on you because you are so totally given over to the message and the mission of Christ. He Is Risen! Tell someone today!