I can't remember where I heard it but someone once stated that their biggest dislike for contemporary Christian music was the individualism that it reflects. At first, I was a bit defensive about that opinion because I have been deeply moved by so many songs contemporary Christian music has produced. Yet, as I listened to it, I found the statement to be rather true. The word "I" was so pronounced and distinctive that it couldn't be ignored. That statement stuck with me and, lately, I have been thinking about individual vs corporate worship quite a bit. Do our praise songs reflect the common goal of our worship or are we more focused on our individual relationships with God? While I know that both are important, I too have noticed the emphasis placed on the individual rather than the body. My ears have been keenly attentive towards finding songs that show unity of spirit in worship. A couple of weeks ago, I found a new song by John Waller called "The Blessing". From the first time I heard it, I have felt that this should be a mission statement for the church. It stirred a place deep inside of me. I wish that I knew how to display an audio clip but for now, here are the lyrics. May we truly be a blessing to those around and after us.
The Blessing by John Waller
Let it be said of us
While we walked among the living
Let it be said of us
By the ones we leave behind
Let it be said of us
That we lived to be a blessing for life
Let it be said of us
That we gave to reach the dying
Let it be said of us
By the fruit we leave behind
Let it be said of us
That our legacy is blessing for life
Chorus:
This day
You set life,
You set death right before us,
This day
Every blessing and curse is a choice now
And we will choose to be a blessing for life
Let it be said of us
That our hearts belonged to Jesus
Let it be said of us
That we spoke the words of life
Let it be said of us
That our heritage is blessing for life
Chorus
Cause blessing and curses are choice now
Will we build up, tear down, the moment of truth is now
Chorus
For your Kingdom,
For our Children,
For the sake of every nation
(Repeat)
We will choose to be a blessing for life
About Me
- Dana
- I am a lover of the small things is life - a deep blue sky, the smell of rain, the laughter of a child, the comfort of a hug, getting lost in a good book, the joy in my niece and nephew. I am reminded daily of God's promises, presence, and goodness. He has blessed me with a loving family and supportive friends. He loves me too much to leave me as I am.
For Encouragement and Fun
2 comments:
Personally, that is one of the things I like best about contemporary christian music. I can't honestly sing about what others feel and how they may praise God, but how do I know that that is how they feel. The song you posted is really good though and takes kinda a middle ground. I also like that the songs I hear remind me that I'm responsible for myself. For how my heart for God is personal. Too many people rely so much on others to do their spiritual walk for them (at least in their minds anyway). When I hear a song about the writer's devotion to God, I'm able to re-evaluate my own thoughts and my own heart. I find it helps me greatly...more than something less personal ever could. I need that encouagement for my own walk and not the pat on the back feeling of "we are all one" kinda song. But that is just me.
Wow! One of my favorite songs of all time.
We're SO on the same page.
sometimes
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