In The Middle Of Me

In my first year in the industry, I discovered something unsettling.  Christian music fans come to Christian music concerts to hear Christian music.  Now, I know that sounds pretty obvious, but hang in there with me for a minute. 

I also found out that Christian music fans go to Christian music concerts to see Christian musicians.  I know, I know.  It’s brilliant, but that’s not what’s unsettling to me.  What disturbed me was that Christian music fans go to Christian music concerts to hear Christian music and to see Christian musicians, but rarely expect to actually encounter Christ.

Now I am the Christian musician playing Christian music, but I know I am only human.  I am a sinful person.  I have nothing to offer.  The name of Todd Agnew does not change anything or anyone.  The only name with any power is the name of Jesus Christ.  We don’t need any more Christian CD’s.  We need more Christ.  We don’t need more Christian t-shirts, which are usually just rip-offs of secular t-shirts.  We need more Christ.  We don’t need more Christian stars.  We need more Christ.  “He must become greater.  I must become less.” 

The words of John the Baptist in John 3:30 are just as applicable for us today.  John realized he was only important as a vessel to bring attention to Jesus.  The relationship with John only offered someone to watch, while the relationship with Christ offered life. 

I think one of the reasons we have such a hard time focusing on God instead of people is that it’s harder to see the benefits. Many times we describe them in such abstract ways that it’s hard for us to weigh them against anything.  When I go to a concert, a worship service, or read a book, I am entertained.  I feel more spiritual afterwards.  I feel like I’ve done something for God.  So what is the benefit of actually encountering God? 

We all know that the benefits of knowing God must be immeasurable, but it’s hard to get our hands around that sometimes.  It’s hard to apply the indescribable goodness of God to our very darkly describable world.  I’ve found it’s easier to look at the little things, rather than always gaze at the big picture. 

The goodness of God is found in a ray of sunshine in the middle of a day of rain.  His gift of joy even reaches through our darkest pain.  His love gives us captivating things in the middle of the dreariest moments.  In short, every little bit of goodness in my life originated in the heart of my God.  Every thing that made me smile.  Every ounce of beauty that caught my eye. Every color, every giggle, every cloud, every shower, every touch, every taste came from Him. 

He is the source of all good things, the fount of every blessing, the giver of ten thousand charms.  That is why He must become greater, and I must become less.