I firmly believe that without drastic cultural reformation the classical world is going to all but disappear within my lifetime, becoming a part of history rather than a living and breathing component of society. The few living composers that will be left will be affectionately viewed as a living remnant of this history, much like many other small groups of people whose traditions have been preserved out of some sentimental obligation. So either I will be lucky enough to be part of that remnant (which will be a matter of luck and not skill), I will have to support my family by some other means that has nothing to do with what I have spent my life becoming, or my colleagues and I will have to change the current path of apathy that our culture is stubbornly heading down.
It is very tempting to think that I have to choose one of these paths. However, each choice is dependent upon circumstances which are not yet upon me. To pursue one path over another when it is impossible to obtain the information required to make an informed decision is foolishness. So then, what should my actions consist of during this time of my life? This may seem like a difficult question, but it is really quite simple:
Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
Proverbs 20:24, “A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?”
Jeremiah 10:23, “I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”
Mathew 6:25-27, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Ecclesiastes 11:10, “So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.”
1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We have no control over our earthly destiny. All we can do is live our lives day by day and strive to be like Christ. We have control over our actions, thoughts, and intentions but nothing else. The world is moving around us without our approval, and it will never do what we want it to. So depend on God.
I am attempting to change the world’s attitude towards great art, but I must do this through daily life while trusting God with the end goal. I hope to make a specific difference fully knowing that God has other intentions for my work. I would encourage others to view their work in the same way.
Keeping in mind my attempts to change the world through daily life while knowing that God’s intentions for my good intentions are greater than my intention for my good intentions, this week I suggest you buy John Mackey’s “Red Line Tango”. 
I promise that you will not be disappointed with this intense work of genius by this composer in his late 30’s. It’s only $0.99 and you might be able to find it in your library, so it would be foolish to not listen to it.
