Day 22 - Do You Hear, Do You See?

Everywhere you go, every story you read, lyrics of music we listen to, expressions on faces, deafening noise, voices inside your head, where does the truth come? Where does the answer come? Where do you go?  Confusion. Chaos.  People want answers.  Teenagers seek acceptance, want to see consistency. Not one way, then the other.  At home, every day, church, changing, one way then another.

I have always had a tender heart for certain artists in our music scene. I've shared some of the Christian songs that have spoken to my heart; there's always a message to share, a reason behind the lyrics. It's the same with the pop music, rap music, I see beyond the persona, hear beyond the words, some very shocking, matter of fact, blatant attempts to get a point across in the only way they can...music.  We become appalled, mortified, disgusted at the suggestion or outright expression of feelings expressed so openly, seemingly without regard. Have  you ever tried to listen, to hear past the obvious?  Have you ever tried to put yourself in their shoes, or simply judged the words?  Easy to do if we listen superficially, as we often do when we encounter someone who exists outside of our definition of what is holy.

These may be shocking words to most Christians, but if  it is you may not be hearing what I am trying to say. It may sound like compromise, but I assure you it is not.  I believe in really trying to see beyond the exterior and daring to go into an area which may not be comfortable, and trying to understand.  If we as Christians don't take the time to listen, to see into the depth of a soul, how can we share hope, the life beyond the lie.  Life hasn't changed so much since Adam and Eve.  Same disregard for God's laws, same problem of wanting to do things "our way".  Why is that?  Maybe the answer comes by examining ourselves, our response. When we're asked about our faith, why we believe as we do,  we have a chance with our words, with our reaction to influence for good, for righteousness.  We can encourage or drive away by our every day example.  Who is our example?  What did He say?  How did He live?  Who did He visit?  How did He respond?

Answers come from relationship.  Relationships take time to build, but if you are seriously seeking, if you truly want to know, take the time to ask, to listen, and I know you will hear.  He will tell you what to say, where to go and how to live. I promise you, He will.  Once you hear, once you understand, once you see, you become equipped to help others who are seeking the same truth.