Posted by Giveaway Boy on February 11, 2000 at 10:31:39:
In Reply to: Welcome to the Jungle posted by Jason on February 11, 2000 at 09:51:20:
: ...so I’m thinking about starting my own record label… whatever that means. Anyway, as a believer, I want to promote art that promotes God, right? But, I also want to be available to help the “sick” (i.e. those who may not be inclined to promote God). I feel that it would be my responsibility if, for example, one of the artists on my label releases an album (on my label) that might lead people astray. Quick note: I definitely feel that God is ordaining this thing, but before I really move on it, I have to iron out all the kinks… So what should I do?
: Please don’t think of me as some narrow-minded simpleton. I really do think these things out, and I am not necessarily looking for you guys to come back with something that directly addressing how *I* should deal with any specific situation – those thoughts are welcome – but I am most interested in hearing at “how” you come to the conclusions you come to (if you have seen “Dark City” I am trying to look at life like 'the strangers' – I am trying to come to an understanding by attempting to remove myself from the situation – except in “Dark City” the strangers were always outside). It is the pattern of thought that makes us unique, not necessarily the outcome. To carry this a step further, what is sin? “…when lust has conceived, it bringeth forth sin…” Can sin exist with out this “lustual” conception? (I know I could’ve used “lustful,” but I like “lustual” much better ;-). Again, what is sin?
: Ok, I have to make a quick observation – It looks like I’ve got two things going here – the music thing and the sin thing, but really, in my mind, they are somewhat related. But now I have to accept my own “cry” for an answer – the same cry we all have for God and Truth… It is sin that I am Truly concerned about: not in a narrow-minded “I should not worry about the outcome of what the artists convey, because they would spread their message regardless” (or whatever conclusion we might make about that) – but more “When you guys think about this music thing, how do you reach your conclusion?” or, better, “How do you know that what your feeling about this is the right feeling?” or, more precisely, “How can I make solid decisions for my life, and find complete peace with God?” Quite an interesting path we’ve stumbled upon, eh?
: As we’ve distilled the simple initial question, we have touched on a deeper “fear/need.” I find that I only ask the “tough” questions when I have completely “short-circuited my brain” (Steve, directly or indirectly, inspired this quote). Part of me wants to face this Truth with every decision I make. The other part is afraid of living my life like this. Every question we ask about any decision we make, comes down to this basic thought (or perhaps it goes deeper), ultimately, we were created to have closeness with God, and the more we acknowledge this, I think the better decisions we will make.
: Hmmmmm…. I think I just answered my own question…
Jason,
Two scriptures come to mind:
1) Roll all your efforts on the Lord and He will crown them with success.
2) In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path.
For all the work that Thomas Aquinas did he went and prayed over it all and threw tons of it out.
But he also kept things that are very controversial, yet God has blessed his works. I'm sure God will bless you as well. Stay in love with Yeshua! Bill