Christmas Wisdom from Alice Cooper (Metal Devo, Bob Beeman, 2018)

Today, two days before Christmas, we focus on the wisdom of Alice Cooper. Not the music, villainry, nor the macabre but instead the faith of the Coop and what he believes.

Alice isn’t shy about proclaiming the Gospel and has often been quoted about life, redemption, and Christ. As a result, he’s become an inspiration to Christian Metalheads and perhaps a vessel to Christ for some unexpected folks as well.

“I have talked to some big stars about this, some really horrific characters, and you’d be surprised. The ones that you would think are the furthest gone are the ones that are more apt to listen.” – Alice Cooper

Stop and give that some thought. Think about all the different people Alice has had access to and the various discussions he has had. Time on tour, a morning on the golf course, conventions, meet and greets, you name it; in those places, if and when asked, Alice has the opportunity to share his heart.

Now stop and think about your own life. Whom do you come into contact with regularly or by chance? Do they know you serve a mighty God and how much you love Him (not to mention how much He Loves you and them)? Have you ever been asked about your faith? Are you willing to share?

The above-listed Alice quote and the initial thought process for this post come from Pastor Bob Beeman’s “Metal Devo: Daily Devotions for Metalheads.” It’s a fascinating book and a motivational read.

Artists and individuals quoted in the book’s devotionals include:

• Brian “Head” Welch (Korn)
• Saint Augustine
• Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden)
• S. Lewis
• Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
• Oswald Chambers
• Matt Smith (Theocracy)
• Thomas Aquinas
• Blackie Lawless (W.A.S.P.)
• And, of course, Alice Cooper

That list only scratches the surface of individuals quoted in Beeman’s devotional, but it gives you an idea of the minds used to create such an exciting book of daily inspiration.

Stop and think about how “sacrilegious” this list must seem to some folks. Individuals that don’t quite understand the diversity and magnificence of Christ’s Love. To see theologians and philosophers listed with the likes of Heavy Metal musicians, many might never understand, but our Creator does.

Once we’ve removed the religious connotation and manufactured categories of who and what is relevant, we notice something grand – a designed network of God’s creation.

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

In the above-listed verses, Paul covers many characteristics we should be willing to demonstrate as we share our faith. The following include, but are not limited to:

• Finding common ground
• Avoiding the know-it-all attitude
• Making others feel accepted
• Being sensitive to others and their needs
• Looking for opportunities to share Christ and what He has done for you

Wrapping up this week’s post, we’ve been given a chance to share Christ’s Love. With freedom, that opportunity is not bound to the laws of man. It becomes the will of God carried out spontaneously and uniquely through each one of us willing to listen to His call.

During this time of year, we are often more aware of Him and His Love. However, do we share that with everyone all the time? Do we sit around the family dinner willing to set aside our differences: politics, religion, ideology, etc.? Do we extend His Love just as He did for us (1 John 4:7-21)?

As we come together with family and friends one last time (for the year), may we remember the reason. May we know the mystery of His will begins with the birth of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ – our Savior placed here to bring unity to all things in heaven and here on earth (Ephesians 1:3-14).

May we wish each other a Merry Christmas and mean it!

In conclusion, Alice and Pastor Bob both get it. No one is too far gone. No one is more or less worthy of God’s Love. Not everyone speaks the same language regarding their faith in Christ. However, each soul matters; equally.

“Be open to everyone around you today. Be ready to give an answer to anyone who may ask you about the hope you have in Jesus” – Pastor Bob Beeman, Metal Devo (Day 217)

We have all been placed on a journey. Each one is different yet no more or less important. May we be mindful of that as we seek Him and interact with everyone around us.

Sometimes, the most significant inspiration comes in nuggets and chunks. We often find those intertwined within an Alice Cooper song. However, it’s also inspirational to hear the man express his testimony and faith.

Whatever way Alice inspires you and your faith, make sure you search for the Lord daily, and don’t be afraid of admitting you don’t know it all. Be willing to search daily for Christ and ask for His Spirit to guide and motivate your steps forward.

Pastor Bob’s devotional may be an excellent place to help you with daily direction and ways to dive deeper into God’s Word. So, if interested, check it out. But, with that being said, let us remember that many of those that we think are “too far gone” may be the “ones more apt to listen.”

That’s it for this week. Merry Christmas, and we will catch you one last Friday before the New Year.

In the meantime, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice.

Metal Devo: Daily Devotions for Metalheads