What's the story behind Play Nice?

One of the reasons we called this CD "Play Nice" was that it includes a pair of parodies of artists associated with a softer sound, plus four and a half songs fronted by females.  Even some of the songs we spoofed here by hard-hitting bands are ballads rather than rockers, although there's enough rock on the rest of the record to remind you of our roots.    

Of course, we have biblical reasons for the title, too.  Whether we're reasoning with a non-believer (like the opening track) or rebuking a brother (like the closing track), it's important to "play nice" in the game of life and to "act selfless" (as discussed in the second track).  After all, we've got an unfinished job to do — taking the Gospel to the world. 

We share that Gospel with our deeds as well as our words, and that's why it's essential that we do so "with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:15b-16).

But the Bible tells us to do more than just play nice.  Jesus told His disciples to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) and to "be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

It's not easy to play nice when the rest of the world plays rough.  Meekness isn't for wimps.  After all, Jesus was meek, but He certainly wasn't weak.  And He gave us His life and words as an example:  "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29).

So play hard and play fair.  But play nice.