A popular musician, at least in Canada, has announced that she no longer identifies as a Christian. At one time her music was considered part of the Christian music scene, but she claims now, that she has “deconstructed” herself away from the religion. If you want to know more, there is a recent news article about Lights and her career:

• Why Lights walked away from religion | CBC Arts 

So, what should we think about this? I am writing as a Christian, and some religious people might be disappointed or discouraged. As you read this, you might identify with some other belief system, and you might have a different opinion.

I think that we need to think.

Apparently, Lights was born in Canada, and raised in a Christian missionary family. She tells her audience that she spent many years of her young life, in missionary work. She spent several years in Jamaica and in the Philippines. Later, as an adult and a successful musician, she deconstructed away from the traditions that she was raised in.

If you want to see and hear a sample of her music, her videos are available on the Internet. One of them is found here:

• WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/6rzaW-397ww

This is a good place for a disclaimer: It’s good to understand what is happening, in our modern culture, but let’s try to not judge too severely. We all need to make decisions that will give direction to our lives. Other people may make choices that are different from mine, or yours. 

We can agree or disagree, but probably none of us know this musician personally. I suggest that we leave judgment to God, as we are told in the Bible: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7: 1 to 3)

Even with those limits, there is an important lesson in life, here. 

If anyone asks me what I believe, I have to say, honestly, that I am a Christian. If anyone asks me when I became a Christian, I have to say, I’m not sure and I don’t remember. My family members were not Christian missionaries in other countries, but they were very religious, in my home town. Also, I know many people, including more distant relatives, who served as missionaries, in other countries. 

My mother has been dead for a few years now, but I remember visiting my parents, when they were old. The room would have at least one Bible, and someone, usually my mother, would pray and probably quote the Bible. 

We all knew what to expect, and we still talk about our parents and their strict religion, at family events.

The hard lesson for me, was that my life belonged to me, and I had important personal decisions to make. Conforming is not a decision, it is just a way to avoid criticism. I’m sure it was not easy for the people in our family church to criticize me. We were told that we had to “live for the Lord” and I didn’t argue. I usually conformed.

When I grew to be an adult, and I made friends outside of my church and family, I had a personal crisis. This has happened more than once, for me.

I had to decide about my personal spiritual life, and I have confirmed my personal decision, more than once. 

Human beings are very tribal, and my group required me to conform. I learned to be good at that. Recently, we went to church, on a Sunday, and we sat in the front row. I know the sermon was very good, or at least the introduction was. I tried to listen with my eyes closed, and I was tired. I was surprised but I clearly remember when the pastor told us to stand, and he ended the service and dismissed us. I just don’t have a clear memory about the sermon, between the introduction and the conclusion.

Don’t judge me! I will try not to do better next time.

To the people in the back rows, I probably looked very devout and spiritual. Not many other people sat in the front. I know that it is easy to conform to the group and look good, but I also know that we have another responsibility. We all have to make personal decisions about spiritual things.

I have never met the musician Lights, but I think I understand her decision. She does not want to be a conforming image. Also, I hope that she finds a good way, in her spiritual life. That has been a struggle, for me. In my experience, too much religion can give a false sense of security, and drown out the voice of God. 

I hope she hears the voice of God.

There is a good lesson for us all, in the story of Light and her decisions about her personal spiritual life.

We have clear instructions, from a teacher named Jesus, and these are personal instructions:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11: 28 and 29)