I’ve been a fan of Josh Wilson now for a while. His music is powerful and he’s truly one of the good guys. Don’t know if you’ve seen this video yet, but if you haven’t you’ve got to watch this.
Josh was stuck, along with thousands of other travelers, as police were searching for the perpetrator of the security breach at the Newark airport on Sunday night. So how do you react when your plans are totally ruined and you’re surrounded by a bunch of unhappy, impatient, travelers in Newark’s Terminal C? Why not bust out in a song, right?
My inside source tells me that CNN and Inside Edition have been trying to contact Josh to ask him about the event but he’s actually in India with his wife on a mission trip. Just one more reason to be a huge fan!
I just read the following statement from Mark Batterson in his new book, Primal. He said,
In my experience, it’s much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one. Anyone can put on an act. But your reactions reveal what is really in your heart.
How true and convicting is that? How do you react when you’re caught in less than ideal circumstances? Like everyone else around you, or can you rise above the circumstances and react with joy, love, and maybe even a song.
I don’t know that anyone would really want me to burst into song, impromptu. But when caught in long lines at the checkout, I just try to be unfailing patient and polite. The cashiers notice. They often thank me for being patient and not ripping their heads off when it’s my turn. I find that sad. No one should have to do a job where they get yelled at because someone can’t stand to wait for an extra couple of minutes for their turn!
.-= Jan C´s last blog ..On Hiatus =-.
I love it when people who can’t sing, sing. It’s even better.
Wow – that quote is powerful, and convicting. have to go now and reflect on that one
thanks for sharing the video and the quote
First – LOVED the video. I have always enjoyed the song, Hey Jude.
Now… as to your quote on act versus react. I was speaking to my supervisor at work earlier this week about the difference between PROactive, active, and REactive.
All 3 are forms of activity. Active is the ‘abstract’ form that shares its properties with the other two forms – in essence, PROactive and REactive inherit most of themselves from active but then they add some of their own flavor to the word.
If it’s better to be active over REactive, can we say that there may be a chance that to be PROactive is the higher calling even over just plain activity?
I think the answers to that question lie in the response to this query:
Will the activities necessary for a Christian to be PROactive translate to natural, godly activity?
Finally.. if our reactions show what is really in our hearts, can our ‘proactions’ show what is in our will or determination?
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..Why I struggle with the “One Month to Live” Approach =-.
I was stuck in the same airport, in the same terminal, 17 days earlier. After traveling 20+ hours home from China and then sitting in that exact spot for 8+ hours, i am convicted and ashamed of the way i “acted”, what a quote and reminder of the times I have lost opportunities to “react”.
First and foremost: you don’t want me to break out in song. That would surely bring the morale down. ‘course then again people may focus so much on the agony of the ears that they forget the pain that got them there.
I would like to say I always act with grace in tough times but can’t. I am learning though that sometimes isn’t much I can do. I am making a concerted effort to respond better.
.-= Bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Being Real =-.
Bill.. Real men sing real loud
Or so I have heard.
If we all sing real loud maybe we can actually sound good together… like inside a stadium with several thousand men singing “How Great Thou Art”.
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..Why I struggle with the “One Month to Live” Approach =-.
thats awesome! it always seems that for some reason when I’m stuck in airport, my worst side comes out. next time, i’ll think of this video!
.-= Linnae Hoppe´s last blog ..We Bid You Farewell, Mason =-.
Without question, this is your best post. I’ve never really thought of being a Christian like that. It is your reactions that reveal what’s in your heart.
I sometimes wonder how my faith would handle tragedy. I’m reading “Columbine” by Dave Cullen, and some of the parents of kids who were tragically murdered were singing worship songs, praying together, and comforting OTHER parents. Of course, they were in pain, but their “reactions” revealed what truly owned their hearts and souls.
Good post Pete. Keep it comin!
.-= John Alexander´s last blog ..TrustQuotient =-.
Thanks John. I think you would really enjoy Mark’s book. It’s given me all kinds of things, just like this, to think about.
Amazing post! Love Josh, too… good ‘PR’ if I say so myself…
Look at how he not only changed the mood of a crowd–probably a grouchy crowd–to a singing community. He changed not only their mood, but their hearts. Who wouldn’t want to be that kind of agent of change? I do!
PS–Goodness gracious, Pete! You’re posting some gorgeous pics! Love the one of the hills covered with trees and the stream in the fore. And the one w/the falls behind your family.
Thanks Tina. I love taking them.
Wow! That reminds me of when Paul and Silas were beaten up and thrown in jail and at midnight they were singing hymns and praising God. Most of us (probably including yours truly) would’ve been complaining, angry, feeling sorry for myself, and bitter.
I’m glad to see people take such “active” approaches.
Great post Pete!
.-= Michael Holmes´s last blog ..How Do You Fill the Shoes of a Great Leader =-.
I just saw Josh Wilson last month in concert at my church with Steven Curtis Chapman. He was wonderful!!!!!!!!
.-= Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..300th Post!! =-.
PS: That video is amazing!!!!!
God can so show up in a airport, ha!
.-= Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..300th Post!! =-.
There is power in bringing levity to a situation…did you see all of the smiles and camera flashes? I personally hate uncomfortable silence, but rather love when unrehearsed community can happen, even if only for a brief moment and in Newark of all places!!!
Unfortunately it depends on my mood. I tend to get frustrated…but it’s usually only shown around my family.
.-= Annabelle´s last blog ..31 Day Challenge =-.
First, off I have to say Thanks for introducing me to the music of Josh Wilson. I started listening to him after you blog awhile back on when you introduced the song “Something’s Gotta Change”–I was hooked and have bought his latest album which I love.
Second, the video is great. Making the best out of tough and probably tense situation.
Third, Love the quote…and it’s so true…we can easily put on the face of a Christian, but our actions in tough situations will really show what really inside. Granted temper that with the fact that we still have to crucify the flesh on a regular basis and sometimes the flesh wins out over the spirit…hate it but true.
Thanks again for sharing
S.
How COOL is that? That video just made me a big fan. And that quote by Matt Batterson? I think he just put into words what I’ve felt for so long. We should react as Christians, not act. Two thumbs way up on this post! This makes me happy. Thanks, Pete!
.-= katdish´s last blog ..Pardon me while I rant incessantly: Petsmart Edition =-.
This is a video highlight on msn.com today. Love it.
Dang MSN is always copying me.
I struggle with mean people. Circumstances don’t bother me as much but I know I really have to guard my reactions – or leave – when people get mean, cause if I open my mouth I am in trouble. That’s a trouble spot for me.
But you’re right. It’s easier to hold the right viewpoints, be for the “right” position or candidate, and go to church, etc. than it is to live it out in real life situations.
.-= Jan Owen´s last blog ..Good-Bye 43! =-.
Wow. That is very true and I admit that in many circumstances I have reacted to situations that scared or angered me in the most UN Christian ways. It is easy to act in a Christian way when we are prepared for what is coming and have our “script” ready. But when something comes along that knocks us for a loop, that is when our true hearts are revealed. I’ll definitely be praying and reflecting on this today. Thank you!
Wow, I read this and was like ‘Wait a minute….’ Because I thought it was simply speaking about reacting in general. But then I read ‘Reacting like a Christian’- and that flipped everything on it’s side.
That’s amazing! If only we could all react with such joy and improvisation in circumstances, people might think Christians were cool.
.-= Jordan´s last blog ..Teens and Parenting =-.
reminds me of my unfortunate “toy r us” episode last month! dang, sometimes you need a redo.
.-= brandiandboys´s last blog ..Snow… =-.
At first a freak out. Then I remember that very few of my plans ever work out according to plan, then I smile, possibly laugh, and just go with it. What’s the point in stressing out?
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Thursday Thirteen =-.
This made me want to cry b/c it was so cool. That would’ve made my day to have been there to sing along!!!!!
This is great! I’m sure some people were annoyed with the stranger singing, but it obviously made LOTS of people happy. It was so funny to see all of the people recording the moment with their different forms of technology.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Another Ordinary Day =-.
Isn’t it funny how we all get excited when someone does something that should be done along? It would be like doing a happy dance and high-fiving each other after we accomplished our given job description at work. It is what is expected of us.
I am not belittling what Josh did, I think it is great. It just amazes me how we, myself included, get all happy about doing what we are suppose to do.
I saw the opposite of this at Wal Mart this Christmas when a fellow Christ follower was screaming at the top of his lungs about not getting the stuff he wanted because they screwed up the sale. Yeah, that was a great show of Christ.
And Batterson’s book Primal was great. Got it as part of his blog review tour. I have a review of it at http://www.historchbearer.blogspot.com if anyone is interested.
Okay, I’ll admit, I’m chuckling inside and that is truly a God thing!!!
When we went in several years ago, to counsel with our former pastor about an ongoing issue in our marriage, I made the statement that I would rather act in love than react with poison…which is what I had done. Our pastor’s response made my blood boil for years…”Now, this is not a time for new age thinking.” HUH?????
So, as I read this post today and found myself chuckling at the memory, I realize just how far God has brought me out of that situation!!!
Thank you for sharing and affirming what I have believed all along!!!
Love the video…also saw it on ABC World News!
Nice. But where are the salsa dancers?
It is much more difficult to react than to act. I can choose to act like a Christian and pull it off with some success. I walk into church and smile. I say all the right things. It is all safe and planned.
Reacting like a Christian is a completely different thing. That is what I do when something unexpected happens. When I choose to love when my flesh is feeling like hating. When I choose to trust God when crisis has just hit and everything in me wants to panic.
I can fool people easily when I act like a Christian. Where the truth is really seen is in my reactions when things heat up.
.-= Bill Foote (FooteNotes)´s last blog ..Your Thoughts On Spiritual Warfare =-.
I’m with you Pete. That statement grabbed my attention as well when I read through Primal. It actually stuck in my mind for over a week as I pondered how one trains their reactions to be Christ-like. The conclusion I came to is that it’s all about renewing our minds daily by His word. (Romans 12:2) Thanks!
.-= Kevin´s last blog ..Religion. =-.
Love that scripture!
Love Mark’s books… I am finishing up Wild Goose Chase now and had lots to blog about it this week! Great stuff!
And this is a great video! Love the singing!
What is it with the MTV generation??
I just cannot believe the level blindness of people – and how gorged they are on self and entertainment and the spirit of the age.
I just frankly cannot believe that Christian leaders are being “hip” and “cool” and trying to be “culturally relevant” – and have no clue of the times, the dangers all around, and the reality of evil.
It’s like watching Nero fiddle as Rome burned – not realizing the place is on fire.
I just never ceased to be amazed at how unaware people are of the danger all around them.
Probably this year, friends, the Judgment of God is going to fall on the USA. You’re going to see this nation go up in flames.
It’s like listening to teenagers who constantly have earphones on – are listening to entertainment, being entertained, and are unaware of adult knowledge.
Please begin praying in earnest to know the times and the reality of this present danger.
It’s like people are on entertainment, media dope and not plugged into the Spirit of God – Christian leaders in ignorant bliss all around.
I take it your not a fan of “Hey Jude”?
“In my experience, it’s easier to act like a Christian than react like one.”
That’s when Christianity becomes a habit, not just an action. As others have already mentioned, that’s a fantastic quote. Thanks for sharing – I tweeted it.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
.-= bondChristian´s last blog ..10 steps to the Thank You note habit =-.
That’s awesome!
For the record, I too LOVE Josh Wilson’s music.
.-= Angus Nelson´s last blog ..Haiti Heartbreak =-.
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