Admittedly, I do not listen to a whole
lot of CCM radio. I've outlined the “why” in several blogs
before (Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here and Here). The main reason is that Philips, Craig and Dean are
prominently played and promoted and PC&D being heretics I cannot
support that. A second, and close, reason is that the DJs are really
“squishy” with what they say. Well, “squishy” is putting it
mildly, they are sometimes heretical, and so I don’t listen. If CCM
radio, in general, were to do away with the DJs and cut out the
heretical songs and artists, then I might listen more often.
This past week was different in my
listening of the radio. I basically worked alone in the office, so I
pulled out my trusty boombox and turned on KLOVE. I did have to turn
it down a few times, but being in and out of the office all day the
turning down of the volume knob was few and far between. I was
pleasantly surprised….. Except for one issue that has been being
pushed this whole week; the 30 day music challenge.
On the surface we all say, “Yes,
listen to Christian music exclusively and you’ll ‘feel’ better.
You will ‘be happier’. You will ‘smile more’. You will ……..”.
And therein also lies the issues, the music is being pushed as a cure
to whatever ails you, wherever you have shortcomings in your life
will miraculously be cured. Poof. That also opens up the true issue,
pointing to music to change one’s life instead of pointing to
Christ. Why can’t these DJs and stations (not only KLOVE – AFR
does some of the same things) give a clear representation of the Gospel each
hour instead of pushing their agenda to get people to listen to their
station more? Why can’t a “Christian” station not promote
Christ instead of what could very well be some great side benefits of
an actual relationship with Him?
You see similar issues through the
year, most notably during their pledge drives. This is where they set
aside a few weeks a year to guilt their listeners into donating
money. What happened to God supplying the means in His ministries?
Instead of “God has supplied” it has turned into “our listeners
make this happen”. This is a firm, yet subtle, insistence that “we”
humans make things happen and we are to be praised for it. Wrong.
Hudson Taylor put it greatly when he said, “God’s work done in
God’s time will never lack God’s supply”. Taylor’s words
should ring true to all Christians that instead of a focus on funding
and all of the “what can I do” thoughts, we should place our
focus on God and let Him bring in the support. That would take a huge
burden off of all those involved, that is if you actually believe God
will support His ministries. It probably wouldn't be a stretch to
say there are a lot of “ministries” out there, radio stations,
shelters, food banks and even churches that a long time ago took God
out of the equation and He has decided to stay out. What is sad is
that these ministries keep on chuggin’ along, trying to make ends
meet, doing a lot of “good” but doing it in their own power,
which doesn't glorify God and may actually be sin.
It would be really good if KLOVE were
to say, “Listening to CCM music may make you 'feel' better, but the
only One that can change you is Jesus Christ”, then go into a full
Gospel presentation. That is something that is noticeably absent from
“Christian Radio” - the Gospel. When all that a ministry is is to
share the Gospel, not relaying the Gospel really shows a lot. Of
course “Jesus” is mentioned from time to time, but for the most
part it is a lot of “Do, do, do” and works, like M.A.D. Monday
(Make a difference Monday). M.A.D. Monday is the idea of just being
“good” makes a difference in someone's life AND you don't have to
say anything about Christ in the process. Sure, paying for my lunch
in the drive-thru may make a $5 difference in my checking account,
but how is that impacting the Kingdom? How is doing something for
“goodness sake” letting someone know about Christ? This kind of
thinking goes along with the quote from St. Francis of Assisi, “
Preach the gospel and use words if necessary”. It sounds good , but
it is detrimental to the Kingdom. (See this article)
I really want to like CCM radio, I
really do, but I just can't in its present state. I can't like the
fact that know heretics are promoted, I can't like the fact that
works seem to be a major focus, I can't like that funding is shilled
like carnival barker coaxing patrons in with promises unfounded. Why
oh why can't the focus be on Christ? Why can't the pledge drives talk
about how great Christ is and therefore how great an honor it is to
join in His work, instead of telling people how dependent the station
is on them? Why can't listeners be encouraged to share the Gospel,
with words and in tangible ways that will make a positive impact on
the Kingdom? I guess my listening to CCM radio will continue as
normal, sporadic, with glimpses of hope that one day they will
realize their focus is blurred. Until then, I will continue listening
to my music via my phone's MP3 player 99% of the time, all the time
having hope that God will one day be the focus of radio stations that
claim to follow Him.
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