"I'm on One"

The song, “I’m on One,” created by Louisiana-born hip-hop artist DJ Khaled, gained heightened popularity in 2011. Featuring the likes of Drake, Rick Ross and Lil' Wayne, Khaled blended the harmonics of 3 of the world’s most popular urban artists. What was the result? A tune so catchy that in 2011 sat atop the “R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks” and “Rap Songs” charts for 11 and 13 weeks respectively. By many, the popular track has been found to be conducive for creating a party-type atmosphere by suggesting that it’s “trendy,” or common, to be “on one.” Or -- in layman's terms -- under the influence.

Recent findings based on a survey conducted by the University of Michigan, of 47,000 eighth-, tenth- and twelfth-graders have left me boggled. Sadly, the results have revealed that 1 in every 15 High School Seniors reported smoking marijuana on a daily or near daily basis. These results are the highest since 1981.

Furthermore, the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that nearly two million Americans were dependent on, or abusing prescription pain relievers (i.e. OxyContin (oxycodone), vicodin, percocet, etc.). Although the data provided here only provides a snapshot of the growing abuse of marijuana and prescription painkillers, a conjecture that a staggering amount of Americans are “on one,” is well within reason. Evidently, to the tune of millions, the act of being “on one” has been widely accepted; and would atop America’s favorite iTunes "playlist."

If you will -- let's take a ride.

John 1:1 presents the following declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, through divine inspiration, crystal clear substance is provided around the origin of the Word. For the believer -- it is imperative to realize that although God is not confined to the Word -- the essence of His character is. Moreover, because the Word was inspired by the spirit of God, it’s a display of His very nature. By consistently yielding to the Word and its “influence” we have the license to take on God’s nature (righteousness); and by consistently abiding under its "influence," we have access to the abundant life as promised by our Savior.

As we swiftly progress through John, let’s yield at chapter 15 -- verse 7. Peering through the windshield, are displayed the words: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." At the core of this text exists a message -- a message that presents a sound defense to the apparent ideology of millions of Americans. The text suggests that instead of being "ON ONE," true benefit comes from being IN HIM. Unfortunately, many are under the misconception that being "on one" (under the influence), provides an answer to the issues of life and have been deceived to believe a mere substance possesses power to make everything okay.

Contrary to popular belief, it is only through Him that we become truly influenced! Under His influence are the answers to life's issues! Under His influence are we given the privilege to make our requests known! And under His influence we find true PEACE!

Prior to today's post, the true power of God's word and influence may not have been visible in your life. But I challenge you today to neglect the commonality of being "ON ONE" and choose to be IN HIM!