O Christian, where is thy swagger?

I continue to be astounded by the life lessons inspired by the show The Voice and music in general. Here's one of the bigger ones.

Musical truth: There's a difference between a vocalist who can hit all the notes and a singer who commands your attention. Let's call that difference mojo (or passion, or confidence, or swagger, or just plain sass). I have been studying The Voice for three years now, and I've been listening to musical artists from blues to rock to alternative to psychobilly and beyond, tuning in to what marks special artists. There are various factors, but one thing is never missing: mojo and swagger. They know they are talented, and they want to display their talent. Spend three and a half minutes with any Rolling Stones song, and you will get a face full of mojo, swagger, and sass.

Spiritual truth: There's a difference between a Christian who says all the right things and a Jesus-follower who commands your attention. Now I'm not advocating arrogance, but is there any reason why Christians can't be confident in who Jesus is and display some mojo? Maybe some godly swagger, otherwise known as chutzpah? It is common for Christians in postmodern America find themselves on the defensive, explaining the failures of the church and justifying organized religion. But a Christian who is on the defensive is like a vocalist who is nervously trying to hit the notes. On the other hand, a Christian who is singing has all confidence in Jesus. If you want to see some holy swagger, take a look at the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Elijah is confident in God almost to the point of cockiness.

Are we Christians really convinced we "got the goods?" Do we have answers? Do we have personal contact with the King over all kings? Is love the unconquerable force? If so, how can we have confidence problems?

Let's stop trying to hit the notes and start singing.


Here's another look at God's people "singing." Soon after Pentecost, Peter and John were arrested and warned by the Sanhedrin, but when they were released, they prayed with the other believers...
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:29-31 NIV)

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