At one point, Jesus' disciples heard him say, "God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is given to you" [Luke 6:20]. This sets up an interesting comparison. Let's see . . . you can gain the whole world but lose your soul to get it. Or you could be poor and humble in this world but gain God's kingdom in the process. Which do you want?

"Do it Again"-Steely Dan

From their debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill, this hit tune vividly outlines the problem of sin. Steely Dan's jazz-rock fusion sound was characterized by crisp tasty guitar work and sophisticated lyrics. Their style, and the fact that they never "paid their dues" playing in their garages and seedy clubs, drew the criticism that they were arrogant, sophomoric, self-appointed intellectuals who were trying to put something over on the public.

The tune tells of two men--a murderer and a gambler--who cannot stop their vicious life cycles. The song's chorus indicates that they go back, Jack, and do it again. We humans are captivated by sin--you might say we are "sin addicts." Though they sing about a murderer and a gambler, but it could very well be a liar or cheater or boaster or money-lover--our sins. We might know we are doing wrong. We might even know it's destructive, a bad idea that we'll pay for dearly in the long run. But we go back, Jack, and do it again, and again, and again.

The apostle Paul wrote graphically about that same situation. "No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway" [Romans 7:18-19]. He goes on for a dozen verses like that--and the amazing thing about this passage is that it's the apostle Paul! If anyone had mastered the ability to be Christ-like, you'd think it would be this guy. But apparently he had the same struggles that we all have.

As Christians, we have two forces battling within us. The Holy Spirit within us provides the prompting and the power to do what's right. But we still have our birth-nature, a desire for sin. As we grow in our faith, we learn to let the Spirit take control more and more, but the struggle goes on throughout our lives.

And so we go back to a familiar sin and do it again. Fortunately, Jesus keeps forgiving us, and the Spirit offers power to do better next time.

The challenge to discern should compel us always, and in all things, to be aware of what's being said, and in many cases, why. Then we can use the culture to show God's love to the world we live in.

© Tony Rufo

Tony Rufo, is a communications/ministry executive, marketing consultant, writer, and broadcaster who has over 20 years of experience working in the Christian and general markets. Tyndale House has just released his newest book, The Complete Book of Pop Music Wit & Wisdom. His other published works include media and music articles, book reviews, radio and television commercials and scripts, and evangelistic essays. True Tunes News featured his article, "The Gospel According to John, Paul, George, and Ringo--Good Time Rock 'n Roll or Religion for the Undiscerning?" In addition, he is developing radio, TV and film projects designed for evangelism and pre-evangelism in the general and Christian marketplaces. Several of these involve applications to bring new revenue streams to ministries. He has spoken in churches, schools and business meetings, and groups. He can be reached at tcrufo@sbcglobal.net

© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission