Do We Need A Revival In The Southern Gospel Community?

At first glance the title of this article might seem a little strange. But upon further examination I think it is a proper title and a valid question. We sing songs about the love of Jesus, about Salvation, the Cross, the Blood, the Saving Grace of our Heavenly Father, but do we really listen to the words? Do we understand in our hearts what we are singing? I think most of the time the answer is yes. However, this article is intended to address those few times when we do not. I am not pointing fingers at any one person and do not mean to offend anyone. I am speaking of the Southern Gospel community as a whole, to include both artists and fans. I have been following Southern Gospel music all of my life. During this time I have seen artists that were struggling with a variety of problems from alcohol to drugs to adultery and a host of other trials and tribulations. My focus here is on how we as Christians react to artists in a similar situation. Some we embrace and lift up in prayer; we support their efforts to deal with their specific problem. Others we criticize, push away and even shun. When one artist says they have asked for and received forgiveness we readily accept that statement and embrace them. However, when another artist says they have made it right with God we act as if we do not believe them. This is not how Christians should act. How can we minister to the world when we fail or refuse to minister to our own? Sadly, I find myself guilty of treating these artists in the same ways that will be discussed here. I often hear the statement “What Would Jesus Do.” So before writing this I studied the Four Gospels to find the answer. What I found was that Jesus spent a good portion of His time teaching and ministering to His flock. He also spent much time dining and ministering to those that had sin in their lives; people whom the disciples and even the religious leaders thought were inappropriate for Jesus to be associating with. Why did Jesus do this? We find in Matthew 9-12, Jesus said “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” There are many scriptures about Jesus’ time here on earth that teach us the way we should react to each other. Even those that are experiencing trials that we as humans think might hurt our reputation to be seen associating with them. In the book of John there was the woman at the well, and then there was the woman charged with adultery. In John 8-7 we find these words. “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” In the 15th chapter of Luke we find the parable of the lost sheep. Leave the flock and search for the lost one. Also in the same chapter we find Jesus telling the story of the lost coin and the prodigal son. In verse 10 Jesus says “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” What would Jesus do? I think these Scriptures answer that question. Should we as Christians not follow Jesus’ example? I for one, think we should. All of this brings up a few questions. Has the Blood lost its power? Can it not cover us all, or are there some things the Blood cannot wash away? Is God’s Grace not sufficient anymore? Was Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection in vain? I think we all know the answers to these questions. After all, is there anyone among us that is more than just a “sinner saved by grace?” I think not. I believe we should all examine our hearts and pray for God’s Grace and that He give us the ability and courage to stand up for what is right, to support one another with love and prayers; not to ostracize one of our own. I feel this sends the wrong message to the world. I am not saying every artist that has problems should be thrust back on stage and into the limelight again. I can certainly see where the pressures, stress and rigors of traveling full time can lead to certain problems like alcohol or even drug abuse. If travel is a contributing factor to the artist’s problem then maybe that artist should travel on a limited basis or not at all. But even that would be between the artist and God. However, there is a plethora of sins, trials and tribulations that we all face everyday that has nothing to do with whether we travel or not. Regardless, we as a community should be supportive of those artist and their needs. Do we need a revival in the Southern Gospel community? I believe the answer is a resounding yes. My prayer is that God will send that revival and let it begin with me.