I guess we start with why. Why did I start this project?
There are three reasons for compiling a list of Christian music. First, I have to start with my experience partaking in Exodus 90. That journey was an incredible eye-opener for me and still affects my decisions to this day. If you are not aware of what Exodus 90 is
Exodus 90 is a ninety-day spiritual exercise for men based on Christ's roadmap to freedom: prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Men who desire to grow in the spiritual life and gain greater freedom call together a fraternity of 5-7 men to join them in following a set structure of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity for 90 days. During this time they will be led by daily readings from the book of Exodus, paired with daily reflections, to keep them on the road to freedom. (https://help.exodus90.com/en/articles/4680259-what-is-exodus-90-and-why-should-i-do-it)
A part of "E 90" is to give up worldly things like social media, tv, and music, and take that time to instead pray and read scripture. Let me tell you this is a real shock to the system. You learn how much you have interwoven these things into your life and in a way control your life.
Music is a big part of my life as it is for many people, and during "E 90" I went on a mission to find Christian and faith-filled music to replace my worldly music. Songs and artists with uplifting music that honors God. Many times I find you can listen to a song because you gravitate to the catchy tune, it's well constructed, or simply it sounds good. But when you listen to the message the song is pumping into your head over and over is it a good message? Does it honor God?
If a priest walked in while you were listening to that music would you be embarrassed?
Im sure you have a couple of songs you would delete from your playlist if someone from church asked for music recommendations.
So if any of that is true why have that stuff in your life? Don't be two people. Don't segment your spiritual life from the rest of your life. If you are a Catholic, start looking at your life especially your entertainment to see what's bringing you closer to God and what's taking you away from Him. I say this to myself, there's been a lot of areas of my life in which I had to take a hard look and see if it was honoring God. I have found when you search Him out God starts working on you and he will reveal the parts of you that need to change. In short. give God the go-ahead and He will do the work. Pretty simple stuff but if you honestly want to grow closer to God set your heart on it and ask God to point out the issues. A word of caution, change is hard.
I love my music, I love my shows, movies, all of it. I consumed just about anything entertainment-wise. I can't count the times I was watching something and saying, "ohh that's bad but the show is soo good." At the moment you are so focused on the characters and action you push that little voice inside way down. Quiet little voice I'm binge-watching. I mean you have invested so much time into these characters that they're practically family! You can't give up on the epic saga, you need to know what happens. So remember when I said caution, well here's that painful moment. For me, it was a small notion that God put in my head that has stuck to me like a thistle. He said, "Is this worth it?"
Does this show mean that much to you that it's worth risking our relationship?
AND WHAT ABOUT SPORTS?! Oh boy, a big topic in this town. Say your sports team supports something that goes against God. :O
Everyone has their own musical taste so to say that this playlist is the best Christian music out now is subjective.