All that Jazz
Theme of the Week: Holiness Down Here
David Swartz
Friday, February 28, 2003
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Key Bible Verse: Those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit (Romans 8:5). Bonus Reading:Romans 8:1-14
I love jazz. When I first became a Christian I owned a sizeable record collection. All my discretionary cash went to enlarging my collection. If one of my favorite musicians or bands came out with a new release, I was obsessed with getting it. If I didn't have the money, I would borrow it.
Slowly the Lord began raising questions in my mind as to whether or not even something enjoyable like music should exercise that much control over my desires and behavior. Deciding that it shouldn't, I did the unthinkable. After pulling out a few favorites, I called a friend and said that the rest were his.
Becoming a Christian didn't make me hate jazz. I still love it. I had simply tasted something I wanted more. It was time for a new first love in my life, and my compulsiveness in acquiring jazz albums was starting to slow me down in my pursuit of what I recognized to be far more important. Anything that dulls our spiritual appetite must be restrained or jettisoned. Oswald Chambers said, "Jesus Christ has no tenderness whatever toward anything that is ultimately going to ruin a man in the service of God." Those hot after righteousness know this.
—David Swartz in The Magnificent Obsession
My Response: A passion of mine that may be competing with my God-passion is …
Thought to Apply: Holiness is not optional for the Christian. It is not an elective. It is your major.
—John White (writer)
Adapted from The Magnificent Obsession (NavPress, 1990) by permission.
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
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Lord, I want to remember the weekday to keep it holy. Teach me how.
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