Nothing is quite like the love and support of a godly mother.
When I was a teenager and just getting into the pop culture of the day, I, like many teens my age, listened to the music of the world. Of course, I had my favorite groups and songs. We will leave them unnamed but let's just say their lyrics still come up at the weirdest times. My mom was supportive, allowing my sisters and I to listen to the music we liked in the car and even provided a stereo system with a record player in our room.
But when I was 13, I went to a Christian camp called the Wilds and heard some amazing preaching. Some of the preaching included the importance of the right kind of music for the child of God. Godly music that would encourage a close walk with the Lord and would support Christian growth. Music that would not spoil my future in Christ.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8
The word spoil is an interesting word that means future of or what shall come to pass.
Deeply convicted about the direction I had been going and concerned about my future, I made a decision to choose godly music. I went home determined to replace the old with the new.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corithians 5:17
Even our music should reflect our new life in Christ.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3
The problem I faced was I had heard the sermons but my family had not. As I expected, my dad was super supportive, but he had never been one to like the present day music anyway. What surprised me and the thing that actually helped me the most to stay true to my decision was that my mom got behind me 100%! No questions, just encouragement and support. She would not even let my older sister listen to worldly music in the car.
My mom lost herself for me. She supported me in a decision I am sure she did not quite understand at the time. Her maturity as a Christian and her supportive, loving nature became evident to me. Since I believed (and still do) rock music would weaken me as a Christian, she wanted to edify me and she did not wish to destroy the work God was doing in my life.
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Romans 14:15
What if my mom had criticized me and the decision I made? What if she had been a stumbling block?
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans 14:13
Interestingly, many of my friends at school wanted to see me stumble, but that is another story for another day. (See Day 58)
With the love and support of a godly mother, I believe the direction of my life was changed when I made that decision to choose godly music over the music of the world. And it wasn’t about choosing music as much as it was about choosing Christ.
The music of Faith Music Missions and Faith Music Radio, this is my music and has been for a long time. And I have, at least in part, my mom to thank for it.
Loser Bible Study Series Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated destroy in Romans 14:15, our verse for today.