Whether in word or deed

I've just arrived from home after spending some time up in Washington for the Creation Fest.

And, I'm frustrated.

The reason for this frustration? Actually, a band. Family Force 5.

I went to Creation Fest with the encouraging thought that it would be a great time for me to really dig down and focus on God. To leave the world behind for a bit. To purify my mind, so I could 'come back' into the world with a little more perspective.

Whatever made me think that? I. Don't. Know.

There were a couple of bands there (namely, David Crowder, Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns) who took on a spirit of humility and tossed the limelight off themselves and onto The One I was there to immerse myself in: Jesus Christ. Other bands, though they didn't necessarily slide God's name in songs, the spirit of the song was pure and didn't drag you down. But then, there were still others. Those who seemed to have forgotten that professing to be a Christian actually means something. (Just to clarify: NO I do not think that if you're going to be a good example of a Christian you ALWAYS have to be talking, thinking, praying to, writing, or singing about God, BUT the person that you are, and the attitude that you take on has to be one that is exemplary- one like His.)

At one point in their concert, Family Force 5 sang a song. Duh. But this song was a bit different than the ones you might think to hear at a Christian concert. (That is, if you listen to the words and judge the song by the content and not the beat.) The song encouraged girls to "shake it". A ring was formed in the mash pit area, and the lead singer encouraged girls to go dance; jive it up; shake it! Being the short person that I am, I couldn't see them and I don't have a clue if that 'shake it' was pure and innocent, or otherwise. I'm going to guess the latter.

Great. Just great. There's nothing better than coming to a Christian festival to re-amp your enthusiasm for all things good and Christ-like, and discover that, heck! Christian bands don't care if they look the same, act the same, promote the same as secular bands. I guess if you claim to be Christian, say "God bless you" at the end, and play at a Christian festival you can sing a song telling girls to 'shake it' and it's okay.

Uhm. No. I DON'T THINK SO.

You've got to be kidding me!

Is it not enough that girls' bodies are objectified in the media that surrounds them everyday? Do you have to throw it in their faces there too? And I'm not just talking about girls, I'm talking about boys too. They're trying to get away from all of the images of women. Is it too much to ask to let those who are trying to get away from it all and escape that aspect of the world, focus on celebrating God?

Seriously??

If you are going to claim to be a part of our family- to be a Christian, a light to the unsaved and lost- than brother, YOU HAD BETTER ACT LIKE ONE. That means,

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)