Well, last semester I put off reading it instead of trying to make time to read it. But this semester I've got some several hour breaks between classes, and since I can't figure anything else to do (don't really have anyone to talk to), I've actually got around to reading this book. And if you haven't read this book I suggest you do!It's eye opening, to say least. More like convicting. I've only read a couple chapters and I can already see where I've placed things in my life higher than God, which isn't good. I've actually had to skip chapter 3 because we were going over chapter 4 tonight. But I'm kinda scared to read chapter 3 because as you can tell from the title of the chapter, 'God, My Heart, and Music', it's about music. And so after reading it I'll probably be examining the music I listen to more closely, and then going through my iPod and deleting a ton of songs. But if I'm to follow Christ with my whole heart, my entire life, is it really that bad? Am I really going to "miss" listening to a few songs or artists?
I really like the part in chapter 2, 'God, My Heart, and Media', where Craig Cabaniss talks about Living Coram Deo. He says, "Coram Deo is a short Latin phrase packing a potent punch: 'before the face of God.' All aspects of our existence--from private thoughts to public words and actions--are lived out before his face." Which is something that is so easy to forget. Everything we think and do God sees. While watching a movie, or listening to music, we don't think about it being Coram Deo. Just think, if God was right beside us would we not think twice before going to see a movie? Or listening to certain songs or radio stations?
Just something to think about.
I could write some more but I don't want to bore anyone or waste too much of their time, so this will be the end of this post.
Oh yeah, this book is wonderful. I haven't read the entire thing either, but it's very convicting. One thing that I have recently struggled with was respecting my parents wishes with what music I listen to and what movie I watch. Not that I was disobeying them, but rather just wishing they let me make more choices for myself. Well, after reading the media and music section of this book it sort of opened my eyes and made me very happy they never loosened the reins :)
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, music is probably the toughest part for me, since it's a huge part of my life.
Yeah, there have been several times when I've felt the same way. I wished I could have more freedom in the movies I could choose to watch. But now I see where they were right, and where God was guiding them and through them guiding me.
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