LiFeTrain “?” of the Week: Is it “The God In Me?”
on January 5th, 2010 at 12:57 am
Apparently there is a whole lot of buzz about Mary Mary’s “God In Me†video. So this week I pose to you the ridership the question “Has Mary Mary gone too far?†In case you haven’t seen it, the video features cameos by music and TV personalities like Heavy D, Kanye West, Amber Rose, Common, and Fonzworth Bentley. Apparently, there are many people who believe that Mary Mary “went too farâ€.
We want our ministers and gospel artists to go out and win souls for Christ, but should we handcuff the way they do it, or should we advise when we think they are crossing over to far. Should we tell them what their music should sound like? Should we tell them how they need to talk or who they can and can not hang out with?
One thing we all remember is that Jesus hung out with everybody. That includes people most of us would call “unsaved†or “un-churchedâ€. Jesus clearly role modeled this to us. But after going over the below do you think that Mary Mary has gone to far?
Creflo Dollar got blasted for making a appearance in Jermaine Dupri’s “Welcome to Atlanta†video. What people don’t widely report is that Creflo openly admits that being in that video attracted a number of unbelievers to his ministry. I am not personally a Dollar-ite but hey, god once used a donkey (CLICK – Numbers 22:1-35) to warn a man of his impending death if he continued in his disobedience.
Let me make something clear. I don’t think it is wise to spend the majority of your time with someone who does not follow Christ. Over time, they could be a negative influence on you. However, is there is anything wrong with lunch or coffee from time to time. I say this because I don’t want to sway opinions on this subject but, I do want you to know somewhat where I stand. A pet peeve of mine is for someone to ask a question, than monopolize the feedback by taking up the time convincing you why you should feel as they feel…and you end up not having time to give your opinion. ….So, I am purposely remaining silent on this issue… for now.
Take a look at the following videos and share with the rest of the passengers how you feel about this issue. First the video then a couple of opposing view points against the song.
Agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear from you…
Pro 13:22 (Amplified Bible) “A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.” God’s promise of The Blessing, has long attracted the world to Him. Prov. 19:4 (Amplified Bible) “Wealth makes many friends, but the poor man is avoided by his neighbor.” Look at Abraham (Gen 13:2 “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.”) He was concerned that everyone know that it was not man, nor his personal knowledge or ability, that made Abraham rich, but rather that he was blessed by God. (Gen 14:23 “That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.”) In the New Testament we are told that Jesus became poor that we might be made rich. (2 Corinth. 8:9)
The key to all this is that we Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and then all these things (material things) will be added to us. (Matthew 6:33) So, it seems to me that she is singing about exactly the right thing here… if you are looking at me, like I am “sumpthin’” don’t… because it is all the blessing of the Lord. I’m not special, I am not so smart, or so talented… it wasn’t because of me… she is saying, like Abraham did, don’t think that any man made me rich… it is God! She, it seems to me, is singing from a thankful heart, as a praise to God, for her success.
I am the same way in this sense. I come from humble folk, that had nothing… and I mean NOTHIN’! But my Mom and Dad were tithers and givers. They always had a heart to bless and help. And “things” always seemed to “work” for us. Now, here I am, with two Bachelors, a Masters, and two Doctorates… all paid for! I never owed a dime on my education! And, a job in the computer systems arena at a major area hospital, being a blessing and helping folks, with an ever increasing salary! And, I don’t say these things to brag on me, either! Bro. Chuckie can attest, I’m just “folk” like anyone else… but it is The Blessing of God! I am humbled by Hs continued Hand of Blessing on my life, and my family’s life! My son, Benjamin, was just accepted into two major colleges… and now he has to pick where he is going to attend… and the legacy of The Blessing goes on! All this is available to ANYONE that will pray, seek God’s Kingdom first… and not be moved by the circumstances that you see around you! Material, natural, things are subject to change… and we look not as those temporary things… but at the eternal things! (2 Corinth. 4:18)
Yes, Brother Dr. Bill, I can indeed attest to the miracles that I have observed over the years that have come upon your life. yet, through it all you have remained one of the most humble-list of the brethren that I have had the honor of knowing.
Thank you for being a mentor, teacher, me Spock, you Jim… Brother of mine.
Keep on preaching the Gospel and winning should to Christ. Oh, I look forward to some lake time this summer. it’s been way to long.
Love ya man, and God bless!
Wow!!! What a way to start the conversation off for the new year. Happy New Year to all passengers!!!!!!!!! Where to start on this one; I didn’t watch the videos first off. I have seen Mary Mary perform the song live and I like it myself. The question that runs across my mind all the time when we speak on the topic of and lets call it what it is “Gospel Rap” is what are we talking about. The message within the song or the beat of the music. As with any music that I listen to it’s the message that draws me. Now I will not quote scripture or do any of WWJD; the bottom line to me in anything with music is the message. No I don’t think and this is my opinion that the materialism is the focus of the song. I can take that topic and run with it but I wont. This style of message is reaching our young people as well as some of our seniors, if you ask me. I have used this style of music when doing VBS and it not only reaches the young but the young at heart. It’s the message within the beat that draws the people to the word of God.
Jesus used innovative methods to deliver the Good News and to attract those that no one else wanted to minister to and He too was scorned for this. Our charge from God is to use the Word to be Fishers of lost Men.
I will not claim to know exactly where Mary Mary is coming from but it sounds like they are headed in the right direction. They are going out into the world to minister. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the cross over as long as you bring the Cross over with you.
Knit pickers and naggers focus their efforts on criticizing the ministry of others instead of creating ways to bring the lost to Christ. I want to stand before God to report that I was a help and not a hindrance.
Change is unusual and is often rejected by those that don’t understand God’s purpose for Christians. We are in the End Times and the Army needs to stop expecting change without making a change. It’s time to move out of our “churchy” comfort zones and reposition ourselves as leaders in a hurting, corrupt and perverse world.
Well I could go on & on but I’ll stop here!
I watched the video(s) and not only do I like the song, I also like the message and the beat. When approaching the subject of gospel music, gospel rap, or whatever you select to call it, I think we must remember one thing…that is let us not judge others.
The message in the song suggests to me that you see the glamorous life they live, but you don’t know what they had to do and continue to do to get there. It suggests that God is the provider of all! While it does seem to have a “boasting†element, I believe the bottom line remains the same…at night I drop down to my knees and give thanks! It is the recognition that without God none of this would be possible. Now, if the person’s heart is filled with arrogance and this is simply an opportunity to brag or sell records, then that’s not for me to worry about… The Universe is Just and if your heart is in the wrong place, then your blessings may very well become your curse.
This is what I do know…often times we forget to look at the intent behind the action. What is the motive? Where does the person’s heart really lie? If the purpose, motive and intent behind the song are to encourage, motivate and inspire others – whether it is to find Jesus or to improve their lives by pursuing prosperity – then in my opinion that is a good thing. You cannot beat people across the head and drag them kicking and screaming to the Church or the Alter. However, what you can do is meet them where they are, speak their language and plant a seed, as our All Mighty God will see to it that the seed takes root and grow.
As a published author and public speaker, I have been criticized for the most smallest of things, such as something I said from the podium or even the way that I dress. I have been told that I show too much cleavage and wear my clothes too form fitting. My response is this….my intention is to help others through my writings, seminars and public speaking. I don’t buy into, feed into or even respond to someone who calls them selves a Christians, but have no problem judging others. At the end of the day, I feel good about what I am doing and know that my heart is in the right place. People will always find something that is “wrong†or to criticize, so I don’t worry about it.
In closing, I do not judge Mary Mary or others because it is not my place to do so. I wish them continued success and again, if they are touching the lives of others in a positive manner, then I don’t see anything wrong with it.
When determining if any endeavor is successful, one must look at the objective. As Christians, our objective is to make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20. Mary Mary’s approach to making disciples is completely appropriate. This song makes the gospel approachable for the unchurched and serves as encouragement for those who have already been exposed to Jesus.
This song vividly describes God’s favor. Listeners may identify “The God in Me“as a description of a life filled with wealth and influence. However, Christians will recognize that life as the favor of God at work. In either case, Mary Mary gives clearly tells the listener how they accessed that life of wealth and influence. We cannot afford to lose one soul, so we must learn to balance holy boldness with an inviting demonstration of the gospel. The method that Mary Mary has chosen is a wonderful example of the Great Commission.
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20, The Message
I agree with the previous contributors. This song and many others which are considered “gospel rap” are in many ways merely parables. Jesus spoke in parables all the time. The video consistently points to God as the “Source” of all blessings! Those who criticize the song because of the beat or the individuals chosen to play a part seem to be completely missing the “message”.
Luke 5:27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
In my opinion, those who judge the video as “gone too far” are just as the Pharisees in Luke 5 who disagreed even with Jesus for associating with publicans and sinners. However, Jesus’ response to them is why I believe Mary,Mary’s video is “Ministry”!
First off let me say I am not a Mary Mary fan from the get go,especially after they told the a lady on Sunday Best in so many words she could reveal a little more and don’t have to look so old fashioned. Modesty is something spoken highly of in the Word of God.
With this song it’s the message of the song I am grappling with. Many find me more liberal in my thinking compared to the traditional teachings of the Christian (Christ followers)environment I grew up in. When it comes to the creativity the Creator has endowed us with I believe it ought to be awesome full of life and love. The picture this song gives me is one of a girl who can write a check with a whole lot of zeros and everyone is looking at her in her car. This girl got all this by praying and giving money and it’s the God in her? I not feelin’ it. I can’t find anything in the Word of God that compares with this picture/message. The message of the Gospel is what God has done in spite of us. The message of the song is not on point as to what I feel the Good News is about. If you just want to make a party song make a party song don’t mix it up and try to put God in it. As a Christ follower I don’t have to flaunt what the world puts value on money, fortune and fame as a show of God’s approval of my life now that’s deception. The Bible says beware when all men speak highly of you. I can love and have a good time with folks while sharing what the Lord has done for all of us through the gospel/Good News in any setting. Be true to the real message. We have to be true to the message and to the One whom is the message.
That’s my opinion and I will defer judgement to the King…
I must say while I understand what everyone is saying, I agree most with Keli’s comments. When I first heard the song, the beat got my attention and then the God in Me part. But when I really learned the words, it speaks too much about materialism. Young people today rate success by what they have. They have to have the latest whatever. And they surely don’t give God credit for what they have nor do they feel they need to earn it either. Happiness is determined by what material things one has with many young people (and old ones too). They truly do not know the meaning of the “Joy of the Lord”. As a social worker, I see many kids who would be happy just to have a family. They could care less about how much stuff they have, just someone to call mom or dad. And remember Jesus didn’t go to the cross for us to have stuff. We are to spread His word and bless our brothers and sisters with our excess not go buy more stuff so we can be popular or noticed. And that is all in the Word. So while I like the song for its beat and hook, there is more to the God in Me than my material possessions.
I love the video, the cd and can relate to just what they are saying. So many people think they know what’s going on with you by just looking and not knowing; they just don’t how much you gave, prayed, fasted, and pleaded for God to walk with you and never let you go. I came through people thinking I had a silver spoon, nothing is ever wrong, and they had no understanding that I faced life just like they did with everyday struggles. I think for some of us they hit it on the head!!! Finally someone knows that all people struggle, but fall short; we are saints that fell but got back up again.
Thanks to everyone for the Xcellent comments. You guys are ministering to me (and others).
I think that there is a fine line that can be crossed, but the bottom line is, how can you ever win souls to the Lord, if all you ever hang out with is saved people and the “churched”?