Where's the REAL Influence?
Where is the Kingdom Agenda's influence? I don't know but it's a question that I've been pondering for a while. Every time I see reports such as the one listed below, I am forced to come to terms with the apparent realization that "church," as we know it, has to transition from a dead state to that of a "living perpendicular!"
By "living perpendicular" I am saying that it's important for the church to find a way to intersect and infiltrate this industry that has our control and influence over our children. To continue with the status quo is equivalent to playing a game of "double jeopardy." Once you've been acquitted, you cannot stand trial for the same thing "CRIME" in the same courtroom. So, what do we do?
The information listed below was attained from the EUR web magazine in the August 9th edition; Take a look at who has the REAL influence over our youth!
Here are the full Top 10 richest people in Hip-Hop:
1. P. Diddy, $346 Million
2. Jay-Z, $340 Million
3. Russell Simmons, $325 Million
4. Damon Dash, $200 Million
5. Neptunes, $155 Million
6. Dr. Dre, $150 Million
7. Ice Cube, $145 Million
8. Eminem, $110 Million
9. 50 Cent, $100 Million
10. Nelly, $60 Million
10. (Tie) Jermaine Dupri, $60 Million
I'll ask the question for you to ponder once again, "Who has the real influence over YOUR children?" In order for you to answer this, you have to think for a moment before you utter forth a vague generality and blame the media. It's not the media's fault; the media isn't the one with the money buying the CD's are they? I know I do purchase these CD's because as America's Youth Pastor, I feel it necessary and of vital importance to understand the lyrics. But again, my question to you is, who has the REAL influence? You or one of the gentlemen from the "top 10?"
By "living perpendicular" I am saying that it's important for the church to find a way to intersect and infiltrate this industry that has our control and influence over our children. To continue with the status quo is equivalent to playing a game of "double jeopardy." Once you've been acquitted, you cannot stand trial for the same thing "CRIME" in the same courtroom. So, what do we do?
The information listed below was attained from the EUR web magazine in the August 9th edition; Take a look at who has the REAL influence over our youth!
Here are the full Top 10 richest people in Hip-Hop:
1. P. Diddy, $346 Million
2. Jay-Z, $340 Million
3. Russell Simmons, $325 Million
4. Damon Dash, $200 Million
5. Neptunes, $155 Million
6. Dr. Dre, $150 Million
7. Ice Cube, $145 Million
8. Eminem, $110 Million
9. 50 Cent, $100 Million
10. Nelly, $60 Million
10. (Tie) Jermaine Dupri, $60 Million
I'll ask the question for you to ponder once again, "Who has the real influence over YOUR children?" In order for you to answer this, you have to think for a moment before you utter forth a vague generality and blame the media. It's not the media's fault; the media isn't the one with the money buying the CD's are they? I know I do purchase these CD's because as America's Youth Pastor, I feel it necessary and of vital importance to understand the lyrics. But again, my question to you is, who has the REAL influence? You or one of the gentlemen from the "top 10?"
Now this is real talk!
posted by Pastor Rich at 7:30 AM
1 Comments:
Good question! God gave us our children. We have the FIRST opportunity to influence - guide and direct our youth. But what are we doing with that opportunity - what are we teaching them?
We teach with our words also, but they learn primarily by demonstration - by EXAMPLE - so what are we SHOWING them?
Do you say have reverence for God and then curse them out an hour later? Do you say love the Lord with all your heart and then spew hatred and jealousy toward your neighbor? Are you telling your children to have no other God before Him and then spend all of your time at work, hanging out, or doing everything outside of prioritizing God in your time, money, and ambitions?
The first circle of influence for our children comes from Mom & Dad. Even if a mom or dad is MIA there is FAMILY. Then that circle of influence expands to extended family, friends, elders, church members and others. BUT God gave parents the first and strongest influence-witness...and if we SHOW them what God has instructed...I declare there is no multi-million dollar force in this earth that can prosper against what God will establish in the hearts and spirits. IF we train them up in the way of the Lord - they may wander at times - but they won't depart! And the Blood of Jesus will cover them in all circumstances. BUT.....what are we SHOWING them?
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