The Christian (Music) Experience

So, as you may have discovered by reading my profile, I am a musician. What does it mean to be a musician? Well, to me, it means to utilize a skill into which a person can pour the heart, soul, and mind so that others, upon hearing the product, may be edified. It's been going on for millennia. I have been influencing the musical world for less than a fraction of those millennia. So where does my place lie in the creative process? It seems that God has led me to a place where I can use the musical gifts that he has given me, not only to edify others, but also to edify him. Now, I've heard a common phrase lately about artists of the Christian persuasion that are 'watering down' their lyrics compared to previous album releases of theirs. This tidbit has gotten my neuro-gears cranking. Automatically it is assumed that because an artist-formerly-known-as-having-Christian-lyrics changes them to be more 'watered down,' that they have forsaken that which they once proclaimed. I find this to be a narrow and naive train of thought. I would say that Christians gifted with any talent - be it music or weaving baskets underwater - are called to use it in such a way that is edifying to Christ. Now the trouble with music is that some Christians believe that music is not Christian if it does not blatantly say, "I love Jesus and I want you to love him too," or something of this nature. But in my experience as a Christian musician (that is, a Christian who is a musician), we experience all of the struggles that everyone else faces. It just seems that we aren't allowed in the Christian community to write of said struggles. We can only write about being happy about Jesus. My experiences tell me otherwise. My thoughts, my soul, my heart, my motivations, and everything about me is a dynamic organism that has been and continues to be in constant change. The lyrics to my music through the years are a testament to this very fact. Who am I to say that what a musician composes at a specific instance in life is invalid because they claim Christ as Savior and yet 'leave him out' of their music? This is why some of my favorite music is by Christian indie artists that I have personal relationships with. I know their struggles and I know their joys. And if they don't mention Christ in one of their songs, I still have the assurance that they have not forsaken him or any of the gifts he's bestowed.