Singing it isn't enough...

Often I am perplexed by the things that some Christian bands say or write on social media sites or by what I overhear. I often hear them joke about things that, I believe, should not be joked about. I often hear curse words muttered offstage from the very same lips that sing praises to God onstage. By no means would I ever expect the members of a Christian band be perfect, however I do wish that they took their faith more seriously, if they are attempting to teach others about Christ through their music. It's no wonder Christians are called hypocrites when the front-men for Christianity (and bands) are teaching one way of life and living another, singing praiseful lyrics and then using their tongue as a sword, speaking words of admiration to their wife but lusting after another woman's appearance behind closed doors, saying they want to reach others with their music but only go after their own agenda at shows. It seems they think that singing about Christ is enough and that living it isn't a necessary and vital part to their ministry.

I LOVE this verse. It's a great one that reminds us how challenging, yet rewarding it is to live in this world, but not be of it.

James 1:22-25 (NIV)

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. ²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.