what is poverty? what is wealth?

who is poor? who is rich? how is it that some of the richest people in the world appear to be the most depressed and unfulfilled and those who spend their lives in run- down, pest- infested homes seem to be the most content and satisfied ones of all? the answer is actually quite simple: riches do not define our wealth; Christ does. just like the age- old question of how is a generous non- Christian doomed to Hell when a serial killer accepts Christ on his deathbed and reaps the riches of Heaven, our realities are not defined by worldly situations, but by our relationship (or lack thereof) with the Lord Jesus Christ. you can often see poor villages in third world countries and wonder, "where is the poverty here?" or observe a rich family living in an oversized mansion and think, "what do these people really have?" most people don't ever receive what really matters and what really matters doesn't cost a cent. what is wealth? wealth is discovering a life more fulfilled by Jesus Christ.

inspired by track: What Is Poverty?, Braddigan, Live at the Belly Up

death by breath (or why the world needs christian rap)(or i've been reading stuff by david crowder, can you tell?)

i love Christian rap. unfortunately, there are those who do not share my sentiments that i feel are misguided. its curious that even when the themes in a genre differ from their mainstream secular counterparts, those that claim they simply oppose a genre because of said themes continue to dislike many rap artists and songs with Christian themes. see, i'm in the fortunate position of enjoying Christian rap for its subject matter and secular rap for its common non-sequiter ridiculousness (i hear you screamin dad). however, let me just explain my first statement. from the initial moment when i heard "Jesus is Still Alright" by DC Talk sometime within the first eight years of my life, i decided i preferred rap with a Christian flavor when it came to music. granted i am a fan of many other genres and Christian rap has come a long way since the birth (and subsequent dissolution; still waiting on the reunion) of DC Talk, rap has a way of delivering the Gospel that is unique to itself. in any other genre, the subject of God becomes somewhat narrowed by the repetition of a mere few themes (namely greatness of God meekness of man, stupid stuff we do, all great stuff). however, the rapid rhyme- based format of rap creates a necessity to get creative with the subjects within a song. now, when one has this mandate in addition the the constraints of being Bible- based (not a bad thing!) and sensible (somewhat), the result is usually a very thoughtful and theologically- based number. in a way, the call to be a Christian rapper is the call to be a well- studied theologian.

having said so, let me explain what's going on with the graphic (this is somewhat related). while listening to Breathin' to Death by my man LeCrae the other day, it struck me how profound and unsettlingly true the song is. if our death to ourselves should bring about Life, then our own life will bring about death. i can't tell you how much it bugs me when i hear the cliche "you're not really living unless you're _________." is that so? does my heart start only when i'm plummeting from a plane at 30,000 feet? is a lack of hallucinogens in my system equivalent to a multi systems failure? before someone goes off, let me just say that i do know the concept of a metaphor or whoever, but when such a blatant and ridiculous comparison like absence of life is so commonplace, it reminds me of the cavernous pitfall which is the lie of "life" that so many people buy into. they define their lives by these horrible, damaging (often times; if not, less than God- centered) activities that they think are bringing them meaning and purpose. but they're really just breathing to death. being this caught up in one's own life and own interests brings about the only real death there is: that which comes from rejection of the Source Jesus Christ.

favorite righteous rap lines:

"Satan's taking lives like Ethan Hawke..."

-Azriel

"swagga that's hotta than summertime in Nevada..."

-Group 1 Crew

"even if you don't know systematic theology, yo eschatology, you know Jesus is who ya otta see..."

-LeCrae

"when we spit, get a grip like boots in gravel..."

-Flame