When the Beatles begin producing songs in the early 1960s, they were a big hit around the world. They were an amazing blend of harmony and personality. They were seen as the perfect “team”.
But in 1970, the Beatles began work on a documentary intended to show how their music was made. Instead of revealing the process of musical creativity, the film exposed self-interest and bickering. The band members were more concerned about their own songs than the advancement of the group. Shortly after the project was completed, the group dissolved in disharmony and broken friendships.
That problem continues on in churches as its has for centuries. The Apostle Paul attempted to head this problem off in Philippians 2:3 when he wrote: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or cenceit.”
What would a documentary of your life reveal? Selfishness or selflessness? We must look out for one another, for selfless concern will prevent division and build unity in our church families.
Tags: ambition, disharmony, The Beatles
The headline in Newsweek magazine called it “the ultimate reunion”. A reunion of war veterans? A banquet in honor of our country’s living ex-presidents? No, it was nothing of the kind – just a rumor that the surviving members of the popular music group the Beatles and Yoko Ono, widow of deceased Beatle John Lennon, were “thinking of doing something together again.”
I recall the drug abuse and decayed morals of the cultural revolution the Beatles were part of, and I found little excitement in such a reunion. But there is another reunion that grabs my attention, and I doubt if Newsweek will give it much attention.
I’m referring to the ultimate reunion when Jesus returns to gather the whole family of God together. Dead believers will be raised first (1 Thessalonians 4:16), then, along with believers living everywhere on earth, we will all be united with our Lord to enjoy forever the splendor of His presence (v. 17).
Now,
Tags: reunion, second coming, The Beatles
I remember the date well: February 9, 1964. The Beatles were performing on The Ed Sullivan Show. My classmates had talked it up all week long. My parents could not understand why it was so important that I tuned in to this show, which meant they had to miss their regular show, nor could they understand what was so impressive about The Beatles.
I was captivated with each of the five songs they sang, as were the record 73,ooo,ooo viewers that night. I immediately decided to join my classmates in growing my hair longer, much to my conservative Dad’s frustration. I would have joined one of the garage bands springing up, but music was not my thing.
But America was learning an important lesson about the power of influence. Years later, I still seek that power of influence in my Christian walk. How can I motivate others to discover what I have learned? How can my life impact the life of others? How can my example challenge others to walk down the same path?
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses it flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” (Matthew 5:13).
Tags: influence, The Beatles