How to Know How Far to Go

We don't create art in a vacuum.  People in popular music are always so interested in pushing the barriers, and many times exploding them.  Madonna, Lady Gaga, Usher, John Mayer, as gifted as they are, probably have very few thoughts about whether what they are doing or saying will hurt anyone, offend anyone or if they have to clean up their mistakes from their art.  But those of us who want to create art for the church have much more to consider.  Of course, the main part of what we are doing is to worship God and to connect people to do the same.  But there is the other part of ministering through music, through art that is about creating an atmosphere of safety, joy and readiness to hear the Gospel.  Sometimes we do this in serious moments, light-hearted moments, gut-wrenchingly deep moments, comical moments.  But these moments should never just serve themselves.  We shouldn't shock for the sake of shock, or push the limits simply because we can.  We must consider the listener's, the watcher's souls. Are we preparing the heart to hear something greater, helping to connect to an idea, an expression, a God filled moment.  And do we know our people?  I want to understand in a greater way their sensibilities.  Of course I always want to challenge my friends to hear a new point of view, a new style and culture and especially be moved to do something by the Word.  But I never want to go to a level that there is fear, discomfort, or make our people feel scared, stupid or not in on the joke.  We are our brother's, our sister's keepers in what we create, communicate and promote.  Because ultimately knowing how far to go can be the difference in a person being encouraged, loved, and appropriately challenged, or being hurt by the place that is meant to help bring restoration and life.