On Musicians and Worldliness
John Michael Talbot

I am convinced that most Christian musicians will go the more secular way if given the chance. The temptation is simply too much for the new artist to resist. I have made the statement publicly before that despite, and even because of, all of our theological and spiritual rationalizations, and initially good intentions, I have no doubt that most of us eventually go," the way of all flesh," rather than the Spirit, when we are tempted with the allurements of secular success?

If you've never had it, you almost always want it, and cannot even recognize it when it appears. Praise God for those few among us who have tasted such success, and found it terribly empty, and so gave their life, and their talent, to the God of the insignificant and the poor in a most radical way!

The result of not doing this is that we achieve a minimal, rather than a maximal, goal as the mean for our artists, with only a few breaking free to higher artistic and spiritual ground. The minimum is certainly not bad. It is still good. But when this becomes the norm of an industry, with all of its infrastructure and economic power, only a few are able to break through and reach the higher, and better goal.

How much more wonderful it would be if it was reachable by the many, or at least, the more. This is, to some degree, simply the way things are in CCM, and in many, if not most, ministries of the Church. It sets a minimum standard that keeps the whole from degenerating into total darkness. This is part of the Church's call. But she is also called to foster higher vocations that, in turn, bring forth saints. Plus, be careful that in reaching out to the prostitutes of this world, that you do not end up in the same bed! Reaching out to, and truly loving the sinner is great - Jesus did so! Becoming a sinner in the process is not good. Unfortunately, this all too frequently is the case in such attempts.

What is at issue here is using a secular, rather than a sacred model for ministry. Ironically, in doing this, even the secular people see right through the hypocrisy of the so-called Christians who do so. They cover it as a media event, but they still do not respect it for any spiritual reasons. If anything, they resent it all the more! For the more entertainment oriented of our membership, the secular model is more usable.

For those called to a more ministry-oriented music, such things are used much more carefully. I will wind down by simply restating my warning: Through your many rationalizations be very careful. Despite your apparent desire not to give in to secular standards regarding art and spirituality, most who have gone before you, and have said the same thing, end up there nonetheless. Is this really where you want to go? If not, don't compromise. Set a higher goal. If so, at least do it well.

To conclude, I would say, accept awards and praise graciously, giving the glory to God. But never promote yourself to get one, or try to get one. This leads to pride, and is unacceptable in any category, plus just flatly unbecoming.

John Michael Talbot