TAKE THE CROSS OVER

Jun. 11, 2009 - Over the last twenty years of ministry in both the Christian and secular industry I've seen it all. I've even heard of Gospel artists signed to labels with clauses in their contracts limiting the names they use for God. I could never sign something like that.

I've seen the Christian industry go secular and remarkably a lot of mainstream jump on the gospel bandwagon. The one thing that frustrates me the most is when I see a Christian artist go mainstream and water-down their message, or even worse, eliminate their message completely.

I've seen it happen over and over again. In fact, I've shared the stage with every one of them, (I won't mention names, but you know who I am talking about). Their early recordings are so Christo-centric. Initially their lyrics are packed with doctrine and sound theology. Their first album stirs your soul. But now they've gone mainstream and very few traces of Christianity remain.

I am not accusing these artists of anything. However, the contrast between their earlier works and current secular offerings speak volumes. The thing that saddens me the most is when they first signed their deals with major labels, their intentions were to get a larger audience for the Gospel. Eventually they got a larger audience, but where did the gospel go? I'm not saying that you must to do an altar call at every show, but seriously, where's the fruit?

The only crowd that we should set out to please is the audience of ONE... God.

So what's your end-game? Wherever your treasure is, your heart is also. Do you want to win souls or win awards?

If God is calling you to go mainstream, keep in step with the Spirit, surround yourself with a team of on fire Christians that can keep you accountable and never EVER compromise. Compromise always starts with the small things, the little, seemingly insignificant decisions that end up veering you in a totally different direction.

If you feel God calling you to minister to a mainstream audience, then write out a mission statement clearly defining who you are and what you are called to do. Do this today and stick with it. Post this mission statement everywhere that you can and constantly ask yourself; "Am I staying true to this?" Encourage others to ask you this question also.

And if you ever do crossover into the mainstream industry, for Christ's sake, take the "CROSS" over with you. Because Jesus didn't die on the cross for entertainment purposes. We don't need another song that makes sinners feel good before they face judgment.

Let's face it, people are dying without Jesus. What are you doing about it? Have you won any souls lately? When was the last time that you lead someone in the sinner's prayer? If Jesus was returning tomorrow would you live differently today? Of course you would. We all would. So start living.

Don't set your goals on being larger than life. Change your end-game and start living and leading others to true life, eternal and abundant life in Jesus Christ (yes I said His name). May we never be ashamed of Him.

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We put the Gospel First...
Swimming in His Grace,
Mark Mohr
Christafari
President of GospelReggae.com, Lion of Zion Entertainment, GR Designs and the Positive Music Agency