Idolatry

[markesquire]

I've been convicted lately with how much time I spend with my guitar, researching gear, and checking this forum. Nothing about gear or tdpri is inherently wrong, but I find it so easy to get caught up in things.

Anyone feel that way?

[GoldieLocks]

I haven't actually been Convicted.

[rangercaster]

I've been convicted with how much time I spend with my guitar, researching gear, and checking this forum.

and i plead guilty to conspiracy !!!

[telechaser]

Not yet, soon maybe when I become a friend of Leo's.

[Saxguitar]

My parents are always saying that I am spending more time playing and fooling around with my cheap 100 dollar Tele and not playing my 3000 dollar sax. I would have to plead guilty to those charges. I just tell them I like to fool around with the guitar more because I doen't even have to worry about tuning it if I don't want to and it comes already put together. I tell them I am conserving my practice time .

[winny pooh]

I have the same problem, something in you is trying to avoid what you feel obligated to do, whether its playing or family stuff. I have the problem of doing neither and going on the internet, its a long standing issue, probably because I place such high expectations on doing things that I thereafter tend to avoid them for fear of falling sort.

[Southpaw Tele]

Yep, been feeling the same, lately. I hadn't actually cracked open a Bible in a loooong time. The last two nights, I've been reading John again. The conviction is real subtle.

[Swee_tone]

Originally Posted by markesquire

I've been convicted lately with how much time I spend with my guitar, researching gear, and checking this forum. Nothing about gear or tdpri is inherently wrong, but I find it so easy to get caught up in things.

Anyone feel that way?

I do!
Funny how easy it is to overdo the things that should be 2nd place, neglecting the more important things.
I constantly have to keep myself in check, making sure to prioritise.
If I start to feel this way, I make a concious effort to back off a bit and take care of what should be done first.
Then when I return I feel refreshed and it's fun again.

You realise you have an internal struggle, you know where the boundry line is, so make the decision to stay within it. Then when you come back it will be in it's rightful place in your life.

That's what I try to do.
Oh, and a good meal and some sleep really help too!

[telechaser]

Originally Posted by Southpaw Tele

Yep, been feeling the same, lately. I hadn't actually cracked open a Bible in a loooong time. The last two nights, I've been reading John again. The conviction is real subtle.

I made the Daily Bread site my Home Page. That way I wouldn't be able to avoid reading scripture and good stories there too. Forum wise besides TDPRI, I go to www.hisgearpage.com and www.christianforums.com. I also subscribe to www.christianityworks.com and others.

[Brian Krashpad]

I'll admit to having a lot of gear. To the point where I've basically run out of space to stow it all. In fact, a drum kit that belongs to my daughter is going to be lent to a local non-profit music studio so other kids can learn on it (she switched to bass) and it won't be taking up space at Casa Krashpad. That said, I don't really fixate on gear and I have no real plans on what my next purchase will be or anything like that. If something comes along that's a great deal, and isn't redundant of what I've already got, I may pick it up.

They're all just tools to make music. Most of my guitars cost me between $100-$250, and all of my basses are in that range.

[markesquire]

I didn't mean to put down gear or tdpri at all. David talks about playing our instruments skillfully.

BUT, priorities are apparent by how you spend your time, thoughts, and money.

Time: Am I really so "busy" that I can't spend 20 minutes in prayer/study when I typically spend more than that much on the internet. When I get spare time, do I spend it with gear or with my wife?

Thoughts: Do I spend more time thinking about the subtle tonal differences between alnico II and alnico V pickups than about the weight of heaven and hell bearing on unbelievers around me?

Money: Am I really so "strapped" that I can't tithe or buy lunch for a homeless "least of these" that I see on the street, but I can get a pedal or set of pickups?

[Frontier9]

Originally Posted by markesquire

... the weight of heaven and hell bearing on unbelievers around me?

Perhaps it would be more in line with the rules of this forum to refer to those that you consider "unbelievers" as "those that believe differently than I".

[e-merlin]

Your title made me think you were a Billy Idol fan.

I get maybe two or three hours per night to do what I want. We have family study on Tuesday and church on Thursday and Sunday. I don't think my guitar time equals idolatry.

But, my truck was broken today so I spent a bunch of time working on my daughter's car.....

[Parma_TeleMon]

I suppose an idol is what you derive your sustinance, sense of being and sense of purpose from. My guitars are tools I use to worship and lead others in worship with. Mercifully, my wife understands and agrees.

That said, I often feel that I don't spend enough time in worship, the Word, prayer, or whatever - I get too distracted by the other stuff going on in my life.

[Detman101]

Bah, this talk of guilt over playing an instrument is hogwash. I get the same flak at home about my (miniscule) spending in pursuit of my sound. I always sell what I have to buy something new (IE: $0.00 spent in the end) and I STILL catch hell for it. This is the LEAST expensive hobby that I have had my entire life and I know my wife knows that...yet she still complains.
Past endeavours have included:

- Motorcycle building, modification and riding. (Spent every dime I earned on this one...before marriage)
- Import Car modding.
- Car/SUV/Truck sound system installation/modification.
- Computer building/modification (Also very very pricey to stay at the top of the stack)

I don't understand why people that don't play always have negative crap to say about musicians...

>=[
Dm

[franchelB]

Originally Posted by markesquire

I've been convicted lately with how much time I spend with my guitar, researching gear, and checking this forum. Nothing about gear or tdpri is inherently wrong, but I find it so easy to get caught up in things.

Anyone feel that way?

especially when I can think of doing other things around the house or at the very least...practice my playing.

[62Caster]

I used to spend more time than I should have... My roommate came up to me one day and said "why do you always lust after guitars you can't have?". I was pretty upset but he was kind of right. I love researching and learning things about guitars, but it probably isn't very good when I just scroll through sweetwaters catalog or something wishing I had more guitars. I had never heard it put as "lust" for a guitar either. Just my opinion/experience

[czech-one-2]

Originally Posted by 62Caster

I used to spend more time than I should have... My roommate came up to me one day and said "why do you always lust after guitars you can't have?". I was pretty upset but he was kind of right. I love researching and learning things about guitars, but it probably isn't very good when I just scroll through sweetwaters catalog or something wishing I had more guitars. I had never heard it put as "lust" for a guitar either. Just my opinion/experience

Whats even worse is finding out 20 years late that you have finally found 'your tone' with an old MIM STRAT,Peavey special 130,mij boss ds-1 and a dod fx80b compressor[all considered to be low-end gear]. The gear thing can definately be a major addiction,and thats definately not good.

[Ricky D.]

I enjoy the time I spend on TDPRI even though I don't generally have much to show for it. It has led me to a very good luthier in my area who has done wonders for the playability of my guitars (and I thought they were decent to begin with!).

No question about it though, it is a solitary way to pass time. I could be doing more productive things, I guess. But it's harmless.

[LoveBandit]

I figure as long as I'm prayin' to God for a new Tele and not yet prayin' to my Tele for a new God, I'm still alright. -LB.

[Hiker]

TDPRI (people) have helped with proper equipment choices, and actual encouragement that some of us 'want to hear' for continued practicing, improving and enjoying guitars. This forum has aided my goals toward eventually teaching guitar, and playing for friends/family. Thanks to ALL!