Quality Music and Books

Very few of us have no attachment to a material object.  The visual of affect, a smell or sound will bring back memories of loved ones now gone or wonderful past times.  Although as Christians our allegiance is not to be with things of this world, the comfort drawn from these objects, especially in difficult times, is not all bad–it is only when they replace or exclude God that the line must be drawn.

Yet, how many sentimental material objects do we need?  If some should be sacrificed for monetary reasons–well, that is hard but reasonable.  Don’t get me wrong–I have still plenty of sentimental items–but over time my need for them has lessened.  At the same time my dependence upon God has grown.  Material objects won’t be with us for eternity, but God will.  They can be destroyed by fire, tornado or hurricane.  God will still be there.

Here in the USofA, it is our flag that is the symbol.  It stands for our strength of spirit, those who have given their lives for our freedom and for their brothers and sisters in battle.  It stands for who we are–a melting pot of the world.

As Christians, we have had symbols that rose to prominence, and then dimmed in importance.  The symbol that will never change, that stands out as a beacon shining forth from a lighthouse, is the empty cross.   It isn’t a passive symbol, either.  The empty cross at the same time both pulls at our heartstrings and shines out radiantly for who is not there.  It stands for the gift of freedom–freedom to live through hard times by clinging to the hope of a better future, and freedom from all of the ills of our wretched human nature.

Christian music also reflects this passion in its hymns and songs.  Some will say that there is no place for sentimental words–songs that speak of our personal feelings, and then I must respectfully disagree.  What is in our souls where the Holy Spirit dwells is not passive.  On the contrary, what resides there is deep passion that overflows for the love of our Savior Jesus Christ and the strength of an all-encompassing God.

In sorrow we desire the words of What a Friend We Have in Jesus or the Gaithers’ Because He Lives.  When we look out at God’s creation what comes to mind is How Great Thou Art.  When our love overflows, I Love to Tell the Story  bursts out, and when we first accept Jesus’ invitation who among us doesn’t think of Just As I Am?

There is a place for it all–just as there will be, until the very moment of death, the invitation to ask for Jesus’ forgiveness and become one of His spiritual children.  God’s door is always open.  He is waiting for you, just as he was waiting for me.  So, if you haven’t asked Him yet, do it now.  Believe me when I say this–it will be the best decision you will ever make.

babamarusia

Babamarusia is Mary May, owner of Quality Music and Books, a Christian book store in Osseo, Minnesota, and publisher of this blog.