Quiet Confidence

              To be known and to know Jesus Christ, that is our starting point. But how do we move from the knowing to the living with His mind in this secular age? How do we resemble His attributes in the way we live our lives? As His new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) we have been transformed. We are now directed by the Holy Spirit in our lives (I Cor. 2:16b). Such a transformation allows us to impact on all aspects of life such as politics, economics, societal living, or as in my case through the performing arts.

            As a member of a Community Choir, I have experienced firsthand the importance of having the mind of Christ in a secular age. As Christ’s ambassador, I am called to stand up for the truth. As a musician in a secular environment, I have a greater responsibility to use my gifts and abilities in a way that honors God. I do so by carefully evaluating the lyrics of the songs I am asked to sing.  Prior to a recent concert, I was presented with a musical piece in which the lyrics were filled with words that were not God-honoring. The lyrics expressed a secular view of the world. The song was consumed with lies and words that expressed despair. This left me understanding that people truly have no hope.  After wrestling inwardly with these questions, I approached my parents who agreed with the issues I detailed, and they were also alarmed. We crafted an email to the conductors with our concerns about the worldview they were representing, but sadly their response was less than encouraging, yet predictable. It was now up to me to decide what the next move should be. This experience left me understanding that the world without God has a strong misguided belief in a faulty worldview. I had to ask myself an important and hard question, how does having the Mind of Christ and being directed by the Holy Spirit guide me moving forward? Do I believe so strongly in my worldview that I would be willing to stand out? 

           To have the mind of Christ in this situation, I had to stand out and stand up for what I know to be true. That meant my only option was not to sing that particular piece both at rehearsal and at the concert. I had to immerse myself in the Word of God while praying and meditating on Him so that I could have the boldness to be silent. In this situation, having the Mind of Christ meant to stand silently while others sang all around me, glaring at my boldness for the truth. Even though it was uncomfortable, I now know exactly what it means to have the mind of Christ. It was the only way to stand out and stand up for what I know to be true.  “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).  This boldness led me to opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others as they questioned my decision.

             This experience led me to have a great desire to be a part of a choir that expresses music in a God-honoring way I find it frustrating that there is no opportunity for me or other like-minded teens to be a part of a Christian Community Choir. I would desire to create a group like this that would sing songs centered around having the mindset of Christ. The current secular choir I am a member of sells 2000+ tickets to all its events. People leave that concert hall celebrating having a secular worldview preached to them. A view full of despair and hopelessness. I think of the amazing impact a Christian Community Choir could have where the mindset is one of Christ front and center. This mindset would radiate Christ’s love, compassion, humility, and kindness. The songs that would be presented not focused on how we can save the world, but how Christ already saved the world. To know him and to make him know through the arts is a powerful way to proclaim to others the good news of Jesus Christ.

Ana Elisabeth Johnson