I can't explain it but I love 90s alternative music. You know like the bands that aren't classic rock or country or funk. Bands like Offspring, Pearl Jam, and Sublime. Speaking of Sublime, one of the songs I remember and I know some people might also remember had some lyrics that I think ring particularly true for people who profess they are followers of Christ.
I have for quite some time tried to conform to the people around me. (not right now because I am a 27 year old grad student on a floor with 18 year old undergraduate students) I have tried to fit molds of both the "faithful" and the "unfaithful." I was thinkin' on this for a while and as I was driving to Vermillion, I listened to satellite radio. (Not my car, in-laws...are you kidding, I don't have money!) I was listening to an older 90s station and Sublime's "What I Got" started to play.
I have for quite some time tried to conform to the people around me. (not right now because I am a 27 year old grad student on a floor with 18 year old undergraduate students) I have tried to fit molds of both the "faithful" and the "unfaithful." I was thinkin' on this for a while and as I was driving to Vermillion, I listened to satellite radio. (Not my car, in-laws...are you kidding, I don't have money!) I was listening to an older 90s station and Sublime's "What I Got" started to play.
I must confess. I remember watching this video while my brother was watching MTV. I was a bit young (early middle school). Notably, it was also back in the day when MTV would show music videos! Although I don't agree with all the lyrics I think there are some that are awesome. It talks about dogs and drug use but it also talks about Lovin' as what the singer's got. How do we know he has lovin'? Well he talks about how he donates his money, gives things away, etc. He even reiterates the chorus because he says "remember that." I might be in a bar or in the car or walking down the street and this song comes on. Almost every time other people starting singing along. People know it but so what. What does it mean for people who profess to follow Christ? What does the phrase "Lovin' is what I got?
The Bible states that God is love. He is the creator of love. I think that realistic followers of Christ need to understand that when we say we are Christians, we need to act in love. I'm not talking about letting people push you down (the Bible talks about that too, but that is another time), but about the idea that we are to love in such a way that people know Christ. I mean the way I live my life can people see Christ? Or do they just see a "good guy"? Most of the time I feel like it is hard to differentiate myself from a "good guy" and a creation of the one true God. I'm not talking about living a perfect life (impossible) but living as Christ taught. It is more than just the ten legalistic limits but a live of redemption and responsibility.
When thinking about Lovin' it is what I got. I think of 1 John 4:8 (NLT) We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
I know this is a worship blog but this is worship at its base, living life in such away that glorifies God! Not just on Sunday mornings. Living in love because you were and are loved. Living in such away that is evident to other people that God lives in you!
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