Toy or tool?
It’s not a trick question. However, it can be tricky to answer.
There’s nothing wrong with simply enjoying music. Paul informs Timothy that all things were given for our enjoyment. Personally, music is one of my favorite gifts. I can’t imagine life without it.
However, Paul also tells the church in Corinth that we’ve been given a ministry of reconciliation.
We’re called to be more than consumers.
There’s certainly a place for just enjoying your favorite CHH artist simply because you enjoy his or her sound, wordplay, energy, ability, or delivery.
However, there are also amazing ways to use the music and the movement in our God-given ministry of reconciliation.
Here Are Three
- Buy music … for someone else. Drop a Thi’sl or Derek Minor (or any artist of your choice) project off at the juvenile detention home nearest you. If your favorite artist has a free project, burn copies and put a stack in your barbershop (if you get your barber’s permission) or hand them out to kids in your neighborhood.
- Support CHH artists in other ministry endeavors. I’ve been reading with great interest new church plants with Shai Linne and God’s Servant in Philly and D.A. Horton in L.A. If we really want to see the gospel have a greater impact within hip-hop culture, let’s support churches that are equipped to minister there.
- Pray. No, really. Pray! If famed pastor Charles Spurgeon needed a “boiler room” full of prayer warriors, then so do your favorite CHH artists. Not only do the artists need prayer, but also so does hip-hop culture at large. As believers, we’ve been privileged to be rescued. But that rescue also comes with a responsibility. Part of that responsibility is praying that the Lord would continue his rescuing work within hip-hop culture.
Jam The Hype wants to hear from you. What are other ways to use CHH as a tool?
