Do You Sing a Lie?

As Christians, we will acknowledge that to lie is wrong, and we would balk at the idea that we are living a lie. That is hypocrisy. Of course, we avoid the “bad” sins, and even most of the not-so-bad ones. Yet do our words match our lives? Specifically, do we live as if we agree with what we sing on Sunday morning?

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

What a beautiful sentiment! This idea is central to our faith, yet how often do we live as if we are saved by grace? How often do we instead live as if we were trying to earn our faith? Or worse yet, how often do we live as if grace were cheap and common rather than amazing? Do we really believe that we were/would be a wretch without Jesus?

It is well with my soul.

Such a beautiful song, such sweet, lifting sentiments. The idea that whatever God sends our way we accept with peace and contentment is grounded in scripture, but how often do we live that out? Are we not more often plagued by life not going our way, rather than being at peace with life’s circumstances because we see them as God’s will and allow Him control?

Trust and obey, for there’s no better way, to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.

Here is one we will admit is right, theoretically, but how often do our lives testify to it? Most choose rather to live for self and maintain control. Trusting God to handle every circumstance is hard. Obeying Him implicitly is even harder when we don’t trust Him to have control, or that He is doing what is best. Do we live as if trusting and obeying was the best way to be happy?

Be Thou my vision O Lord of my heart. Naught be all else to me save that Thou art. Thou my best thought by day or by night. Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

I think all Christians would claim that God is their light and salvation, the vision of our hearts and our treasure, that He is first in our lives, but do others see that in us? Does God’s truth light our way all the time so that we are guided by Him rather than by our own desires? Do we keep our eyes focused on Him, even and especially when times are bad? Do we really live with Him and His ways as our top priority and motivation?

When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away!

What a wonderful, uplifting song! How sweet, how glorious! But do we live day to day in the wonder and throes of any moment being “flown away”? Does that idea keep us from getting depressed or frustrated with life?

The love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong, it shall forever more endure the saints’ and angels’ songs.

Love is the main attribute of God that people focus on in our society, but how many of us live in light of God’s love for us? How many of us actually believe that His love is so strong, and that He loves each of us individually and personally and intimately? Does God’s love impact your life and the lives of those around you, through you?

As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee.

It is true, our souls long deeply for God. We cannot help that, but we often don’t acknowledge it. So many times, Christians and non-Christians alike misinterpret this longing for something else entirely, and seek to fill it with the world rather than being fulfilled in our Creator. When we come to worship, do we truly long to worship God, or are we just going through the motions, doing what we always do on Sunday morning?

We so often come to church on Sunday morning, and go through the routine as always, without thinking about what we are singing or saying. We don’t long to worship God, nor does worship fill us with a desire for God. It is just something rote we do. Yet it should be more than that. We should actively participate in worship, seeking an opportunity to praise God and enjoying that fellowship with Him, the Spirit and with other believers.

Psalm 2:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Worship the Lord with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.

John 4:24 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Do you worship the Lord with reverence and awe? Do you worship Him in spirit and truth? Do the words you sing match the life you live?

Commit now to preparing your heart to worship, before you get to church. Come to church with the intent of actively worshipping your Savior. Consider the words you are singing and determine to mean what you say and live it out.

Amazing Grace. John Newton, 1779.

It Is Well. Horatio G Spafford, 1873.

Trust And Obey. James H Sammis, 1887.

Be Thou My Vision. Irish hymn, 8^th Cent.

I’ll Fly Away. Albert E Brumley, 1932.

The Love of God. FM Lehman, 1917.

As The Deer. Martin Nystrom, 1984.

                                                The Rejoice Hymnal.

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