Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Life's Been Good" (Joe Walsh)

Rules Of Civility #1:  "Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present."


It's  Tuesday, and time for another Tuesday's Musical Notes where Rock-n-Roll meets reflection,  lyrics meet life change, and people get to walk to the beat of their own time signature......

     He was the son of a classically trained pianist and a Fidler.  He was adopted by his step father at age 5 and moved to New York City at the age of 12.  While living in the Big Apple, he began a lifelong obsession with amateur "ham" radio. (He currently holds an "Amateur Extra Class" license).  He has played 15 different guitars over the course of his career including a 1959 Gibson Les Paul that he gave/sold to Led Zepplin guitarist Jimmy Page in April 1969.  He is credited with playing 20 other instruments, most of which are keyboard oriented, and has played on some of the biggest album's in Rock history.  Rolling Stone has him listed at #54 on their list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".  He put forth unsuccessful bids for President AND Vice President and is brother-in-law to Ringo Starr by marriage.  In short, you could say that "life's been good" to him so far.....

"Life's Been Good" Joe Walsh at Darryl's Place

     Joe Fidler Walsh, ("Fidler" is his birth father's last name) has led what appears to be a charmed life.  His newest solo project, Analog Man, has received positive critical review and is selling well.  As a member of notable bands, The James Gang and The Eagles, he has made lots of money and become famous.  However, his life has not been bereft of struggles.  He didn't have a relationship with his birth father.  Walsh and his wife lost their first child at the age of 3 in an automobile accident.  His excesses with alcohol and drugs were common knowledge in rock circles.  (He has been in recovery since 1995).  His personal relationships with his band mates The Eagles during the 70's were notably strained.   Did we mention he gave away or sold a '59 Les Paul? 

   There is a deceptive allure that comes with fame and fortune.  It can easily be perceived that our favorite movie stars and musicians lead lives of enchantment and continual happiness.  With the advent of the 24 hour news cycle and internet video, this deception is not so easily maintained.  We see some famous people in video of compromised positions and mug shots and we pause to wonder if they really have it as good as they think they do.  Yet, they are addicted to how "good" they have it, and without significant change, can meander down a very destructive path.

     Christians are not so different.  Fortune and fame are not prerequisites to having a happy life.  It is very easy to get addicted to the "good life" and realize that ultimately this "life" is not our ultimate destiny.  Many times we have heard that we are to be "in the world, but not of the world".  What does that mean?  

     First of all, it is not found in the Bible verbatim, yet is a conglomerate of teachings that Jesus relayed to the disciples.  The closest composite to this saying would be John 15:19

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you." (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

      Secondly, while "in the world and not of it" is an easy churchism to roll off the tongue, practical application is significantly more challenging.  The temptations of this life are abundant.  Let's face it, Adam and Eve couldn't resist the temptation of this world, and they were living in a place where one would think there would be very little by which to be tempted. 

     Finally, there is an arrogance in this phrase that can be misunderstood by preChristians.  In fact, many Christians would be challenged to explain exactly the meaning behind "be in the world, but not of it."

     The Notes would have to concur with Joe Walsh.  Life HAS been good to us so far.  The majority of people that we are associated with can say the same.  Perhaps that is the real temptation of this world.  The enemy does not put us through a "Job moment" and we have things pretty good.  So good in fact, that we may hesitate when it comes to growing as a disciple of Christ.  Certainly, the "good life"  is a strategy the evil one will use with those who are not redeemed, but what about those of us who are longing for heaven?  Is it conceivable that we can be left alone to the trappings of this world so much that it is difficult to imagine our lives ever being better?  Our imaginations of heaven can never be as good as the reality of heaven will be, so we become satisfied with the "good life" we have now.    For many, this is the hardest temptation to resist.  We really do believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, that He died on a cross as a substitute for us, that He physically rose from being dead, and that He is coming to earth again to redeem His church. Sometimes the next faith steps are the hardest to walk as we grow in Christ.  

     As with many endeavors, discipleship is something that requires work for us to ever maximize the potential we have as a Christ follower.  We are not saved by this work, we are saved to get to work.  A dedicated quiet time, serving others in our church and community, sacrificing our resources and time, prayer, fasting, and using our gifts to assist the Holy Spirit in the growth of discipleship in others are just some of the work that aids in the process of spiritual growth.  All of this work is made easier by the encouragement that we get when we go to the services that the local church provides.  Regardless of the tradition for when those services occur, we grow every time we are able to encounter like minded Christ followers.  Why would we shun that?  Perhaps "life's been good to me so far"?

Please consider making the attendance at the church of your choice "every time the doors are open" a priority for you and your family this week.  You may find that life can be even better.

'Til Tuesday,

Loving HIM by loving you,

Randy