"Christianese"

Lately - ok, so more like always - I have wondered why Christians continually settle for poor quality in the name of frugality.

I understand cutting some corners so that we can help children in Africa... But at what point is it wrong and maybe even sinful to not give God our best talents?

I would almost like to propose that, if indeed we have the God of creation and the God who holds all knowledge and creativity in his palm, then why do we utterly fail at presenting a good witness? Why is it that you can immediately tell a Christian radio station from a secular one? -- And no... it's not a good difference. It's poorly produced liners, music that isn't produced as well as it could be, and sad knock offs of other popular music at the time.

Why is it that as believers we have submitted ourselves to just be poor knock offs of the world? What is preventing us to stand tall and to give it all we've got? Why must we shirk in the corners of commerce, graphic design, music, art, theatre, lighting, performance, etc?

Is it an esteem issue? Have we bought into the enemy's lies? Saying that we are too rushed to make something look good... That if we put too much money into something that we can't feed that hungry child... That we just won't measure up, because that's the way it's always been...

What IS it that's holding us back?

Are these assumptions of frugality really a good basis to stand on? Or could we have made MORE proceeds from the selling of our album, DVD, or movie if it were just designed a little better, produced a little better, and was just all around a better product? Are we actually, indeed, short-changing the furtherance of the kingdom due to our inability to utilize our talents? And I am curious just what we will be held accountable for in heaven...

It is my goal to do everything with quality, with the stamp of excellence. If it's not in my realm of talents, then I will utilize someone else in the body that has those talents... After all isn't that what the body is for? For each to perform his/her duties to the utmost of their ability?

I would go as far as to answer the song "If we are the body, why aren't his hands reaching..." with the answer that the knee really wanted to reach, and instead we kneed someone in the gut... Because they didn't want to accept their talents, roles, or crucial status. Instead of trying to do everyone else's job, why don't we do the jobs set before us? Maybe that's the root of our lack of excellence, we're too stubborn to admit what ISN'T our talent. Maybe, just maybe...