John Mayer vs Michael Jackson? Which do you choose?
Ok, so I actually like both as muscians, thats not the query here. My query refers not to the artists nor to which is a better entertainer, person, or musician. My query refers to the different attitudes expressed in two of their songs..."That's why we're waiting
Waiting on the world to change...
One day our generation's gonna rule the population
So we keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change"
These are the words of John Mayer. Now I know there is a certain context to the song, I dont want to ignore that, but if you bare with me, thats not what we're worried about here....
As I listened to these words on the radio last week I was reminded of another favourite tune by Michael Jackson which includes these words...
"Im starting with the man in the mirror
Im asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and
Then make a change"
Words I have heard (and yes, sung along to) many times before, but which this time made me realise the significantly key difference between the two attitudes of these two sets of lyrics; one, wait for the world to change, you dont need to do the changing, its the world that does. The other: start with yourself, and that will make an impact on self, others, service of God, and the world (obviously to varying degrees). One allows either for the attitude of change is too hard or simply that of indifference. While the other reinforces the worth of taking action to make the most of the world & life God has given us, and to do so starting with self.
I personally have recently realised the beauty and worth of challenging oneself, in embracing life, so as to contribute to this world, relationships, and the lives of others in the best way possible!
A lot of change has happened in my life recently. And therefore, also a lot of growth. It is exciting to see how God shapes you and to see how life can change for the better when you do more than just 'wait for the world to change'... I think life is most enjoyed - and most effectively utilised as God intends - when we dont just sit back and wait to see what will happen to us...
I dont know about you, but 'Im starting with the (wo)man in the mirror'
5 Comments:
You go girl!
Maybe this is a reflection of a pluralistic society where the individual is OK & the world is the thing that has the problem. These days, people aren't allowed to change, they can only "realise the god/goddess inside them"
yeah thats so true i think Goldy!
Or if people are allowed to change them, its usually things largely external to them so we arent cutting the individual down too much or 'attacking' them or exposing our vulnerability to the world. Change to make us look better rather than be better i guess.... at a very general perspective of course....
i guess this could/should be a noticable difference about Christians, given acknowledgement of sin i guess, meaning we (again speaking very generally) are more likely to admit what needs changing in our lives...
wow, cool post Chels.
Really well picked up - I found that a helpful and insightful read
sorry, that last post sounded really, um, formulaic. But you get the drift, even though it looked like it was written in a straight jacket : )
Chels,
It's like what Wal said at the 645 Big Day Out (were you there, I seem to think you were not), but if we want to become a GUI Church (Godly, United, Evangelistic), then we must be GUI people.
I too will be starting with the man in the mirror.
Jim
P.S Natalie Gauci (Australian Idol winner, has an awesome version of Man in the Mirror. It brings tears sometimes!)
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