Lauren Daigle And The Need For Bold Christian Artists

I was standing in the back of our Sanctuary.  Ten minutes away from leading our church through a night of worship.  A gentleman approached me and introduced himself.  He was a musician and expressed his appreciation for my music and ministry.  That's where the pleasantness ended.

"Have you heard about Lauren Daigle?" he asked, shaking his head.  "She's not a Christian artist anymore.  She sold out for the money."  My heart sank.  My blood boiled.  What a limited and unfair belief.  I didn't have much time to tell him how I felt but I'll take a few minutes to tell you.  

We need more Christian artists releasing music into the world.  We need more redeemed, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled artists to step out boldly and shine the light of Christ in dark places.

A quick scan of today's top singles and albums paint a dark picture.  Right now I'm looking at the 20 most-streamed songs on Spotify.  14 of 20 are labeled for explicit lyrics.  Themes of greed, lust, and narcissism dominate. 

Redeemed Art

Every redeemed believer can make art that Honors God.  It will honor Him either explicitly or inherently.  Explicitly when it names the Name of Jesus Christ.  Inherently when it carries the light of Jesus Christ. 

It's impossible to know if anyone is a born again but I feel I can confidently say Lauren Daigle is a Christian.  And as a Christian, she carries the light of Christ.  A light that shines wherever she sets her foot and whenever she lifts her voice.  

C.S. Lewis said "There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan."

Lauren's album "Look Up Child" sold over 100,000 copies its first week.  It debuted at number 3 on the Billboard top 200.  She performed on The Ellen Show and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  She has claimed her inch in a space few others dare to go.

It's disheartening to hear some will take the shortsighted view and condemn her actions. But I for one will champion the Christian artist who is bold.  Bold enough to enter the secular marketplace and allow their music to stand in contrast to all the world has to offer. 

Every Square Inch

Recently my wife and I were making dinner together.  On these nights we like to pull up a playlist and enjoys some music while we rinse, chop, simmer and sauté.  Sometimes it's worship music.  Sometimes classical or pop or instrumental.  On this night it was a country playlist curated by Spotify.  Guess what song came on.  "You Say" but Lauren Daigle. 

This playlist had thousands of subscribers.  I couldn't help but wonder how many other kitchens or bedrooms or cubicles or garages were hearing this same song.  This same God-honoring, Spirit-filled, redeemed artist song.  I couldn't hide my smile.