Being Known For It

One of the many podcasts I listen to is called TrueTunes. It focuses on the history of the “Christian Music Industry.” A recent episode I heard was an interview with a young Millennial lady named Natalie Bergman. She’s actually a successful pop artist, with her band Wild Belle, having had songs featured in films and television shows. A few years ago, she was about to step on stage for a concert when she received word that her father had been killed by a drunk driver. Having lost her 

Mikal Johnson

mother ​at age 15, this blow floored her, and she ended up recording and album dedicated to her father. In the process of writing the album she was led to include many references and more than just references to the faith she’d been raised in. The one and only solo album she’s recorded was the result. Titled “Mercy,” it’s typically viewed as a Christian album. Despite having no connection to the larger “industry” that Christian music has become, her interview on TrueTunes came to be.

Early in, host John J Thompson asked her about the influence her parents had on her. Musically, they were supportive. They were great parents. When John specified her religious upbringing, she said, “I had a non-denominational upbringing. I mean, we were a part of the Christian faith, but my parents were very free and loving in their beliefs.”

Ouch.

The conversation went on, but that sentiment hit my heart. Growing up in the 90s and 2000s, she seems to perceive “free and loving” as something unusual in Christianity. And she says that BEING a Christian.

I know, with this congregation, love is hardly rare, but I consider myself greatly blessed to have landed in this church. I’ve always taken my faith quite seriously, but I couldn’t always stomach the company of my brothers and sisters in Christ. And if I’m honest, I myself have been guilty of not being known for my love.

"They'll Know We Are Christians" by Father Peter Scholtes, written shortly after the Vatican II Council, based on John 13:35, was a standard in youth group when I was growing up. That’s sadly ironic, as I’m sure the song would have been banned had the grownups known it was written by a Catholic priest.

Jesus, in Matthew 24:12, tells us that, “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” I’ve started to think that this isn’t just talking about the world, it’s in the church. When I look at the context and see that it’s a result of falling away and false prophets, I feel pretty certain it’s a warning about what could happen to us.

Lately I’ve been drawn to verses about standing firm in faith. I feel the times are growing darker and fear that my own faith isn’t as strong as it should be. In looking over the many passages about holding the faith, I think my favorite is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

“Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

I think the secret to strength in these times will be being known for our love.

In His Name, Mikal