Yes, I know, nonsense. These are lyrics from the literal video 'With Arms Wide Open' by Creed. Literal videos take real music videos and put words to what it appears is literally happening in the video. When I need a laugh I pull this up, because literal videos are hysterical! This morning in the shower these lyrics popped into my head and I started thinking about these videos, and begin wondering how many people view our lives as a literal video?"I'm a lion king, I've got a mane
and a yellow coat, it's gonna rain"
What makes literal videos hilarious is that the lyrics match perfectly to the actions on the screen, but it was not what the band intended the song to convey. It made me think about my life and what people see as opposed to what I intend my life to convey. I say I am loving, do people see that? I say I am caring, do people see that? Or does my life make about as much sense as the scene in this video that says:
Literally, what do people see in our lives? This is so important to look at because for my life to have the impact I desire, there should not be a disconnect between what I believe and how I live."pee pee naa naaa blah
is what it looks like I'm sayin"
How can a Christian believe that God is love and respond in hate when faced with adversity or a different viewpoint? How can a Christian respond in judgment when someone is hurting, instead of compassion? A video is the visual that is seen to a song or story, so how I live my life is the video people see of me, of what I believe. What I do can say volumes more than what I say.
These scriptures lay it out pretty plainly! What has Christ given to us and what are we giving to others? I intend to examine my life, my attitudes, my actions, and see what lines up and what doesn't. Actions and beliefs, are they the same? This may seem to be a huge ongoing task in life, and to consider it can seem overwhelming. But, we need to consider that if we don't begin are we being true to the Lord and the life He is calling us to?"Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." - 1Timothy 1:12
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:1-3
There are a lot of questions in today's post. Probably because this topic is filled with more questions than answers until we begin to evaluate things. Sometimes our lives don't line up out of habits we hold. Sometimes our lives don't line up out of heart attitudes. Sometimes we need to change what we're putting into our lives... television shows and movies we watch, music we allow ourselves to listen to, video games we play.
My prayer today is: "Lord, I pray that you would help me to see through Your eyes. Forgive me for the times that I have not acted as I should have, for those times where instead of reflecting You, I reflected the irritation in my own nature. Forgive me for the times that my life has not drawn others to You. Help me to see the areas that need change. Help me to see opportunities to be a reflection of You to others. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and compassion in my life. Thank you for the joy and peace you give to me so that I am able to give out joy, peace, grace, and hope. Lord, You are my hope! In Jesus' name I pray all of this. Amen!"
If you would like to check out the literal video I mentioned above, it can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMlA8nQ0bXc
3 comments:
Really good!
Melanie@Bella~Mella
First, I agree. This literal video is stinking hilarious!
Next, I really expect one day to see a bible study authored by you. I'll take the class. :-)
Hey! I don't know you, and I'm not sure if you'll get this message, but I was looking up the video you mentioned because I heard that it had been taken down, and that made me very sad because it's so hilarious!
Anyway, I stumbled across your blog and it think it's awesome what you're doing :)
It's not only cool that we both like the same video... but that what you mentioned in your post is a lot of the same thoughts that I have been thinking lately! God's really amazing. haha.
Anyway, I've also been thinking and wondering how I convey myself to others. I work in retail so right now a lot of the way I view people is just from 5 minutes of their life they spend going through my check out line. It made me start to wonder how I come across to people if I've known them for my whole life, or just those 5 minute encounters. Definitely an encouragement to make the most of every opportunity given! Thanks :) Feel free to check out some other things I've been learning at my blog.
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