I've got a friend that is a semifinalist in a Christian music singing
contest. Several things are asked of the contestants as they work their way to being the "WIBI Opening Act Champion":
- record a current, popular Christian song that airs on the radio at least five times a week;
- organize a Facebook page and get at least 1000 people to 'like' your fanpage; and
- be interviewed by radio personnel at WIBI and have that interview aired.
All of that, plus being voted on at the semi-final competition, leads to being the Opening Act at
Agape Fest in late April/early May. And it's a pretty big deal. There will be thousands of people there listening, and some big names in the Christian music world will show up to perform as well, so the stage has huge potential.
My friend's life is not one that points to Christ. In fact, I can honestly say, that I've never even asked him if he believes in the Lord, so I couldn't really begin to tell you what he believes. But I know what I THINK about him and his beliefs based on the way he lives his life.
I found myself harshly judging his intentions in this competition this morning while I was listening to his recorded single on the radio. I kept thinking to myself, "his life is not one that reflects the goodness and love and mercy and justice of God. So why is he singing about it and acting like he cares?"
And I broke down.
How dare I judge! How dare I look at someone else's life and think those things! Who am I to throw stones when my life is far from being what the Lord intends for me?
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measure to you.Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? HOw can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." --Matthew 7:1-5
My friend may not be the "best" example of Christ to others, but through this contest, the Lord's name is being made known. And for that, I am grateful. Praise be to God! that He would allow any of us to be used to tell of His great love for us.
For now, I'm going to work on measuring my life to Christ's. That is the only way a change will be made.
I'm gonna make a change
for once in my life
I'm gonna feel real good,
gonna make a difference,
gonna make it right.
I'm starting with the man in the mirror.
I'm asking him to change his ways.
No message could've been any clearer:
if you wanna make the world a better place,
take a look at yourself and then make that change.
(Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson)
