Is it just me, or do you ever wonder why we write/listen to/enjoy songs that have lyrics that glorify our staying on Earth instead of being in Heaven?
Don’t get me wrong– some of my FAVORITE gospel songs have lyrics about being kept here. But I do wonder why we get so excited at the notion, particular when (as Christians) we know the promise of eternity that awaits just on the other side.
Clearly, the unbeliever owes a debt of gratitude for being given another day– it’s another shot at trusting in Christ and accepting the gift of salvation.
But for the believer– what’s the big benefit to being here?
I’m not saying it in a “I hate my life” type of way, but the Bible says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And I’m sure we can agree that Heaven is a far greater place than Earth.
And while we shouldn’t pray for our own earthly demise, I think it says a lot about our heart posture (maybe we cherish this life a bit more than we ought) when we shout and dance over the fact that God “spared our lives” or “kept us another day” when we “could have been dead, sleeping in our graves” (I’m not so sure we’d be sleeping, anyway).
I know this could raise tons of theological questions as well– do we immediately go to be with the Lord, or do we hang out until Christ returns– I’m not really trying to go there.
But I’m wondering why– when our faith teaches us the glory and beauty and “HOME”-ness of Heaven– why do we cling to this earthly existence so much?
I think we have a shallow view of Heaven. And maybe we have a puffed-up view of Earth. I think we would do well to embrace a less fearful stance on passing to Heaven.
Jesus took the sting out of death, but some of our gospel songs put it right back in there.
Is it just me???
I'm just as excited about my purpose on earth as my purpose in heaven. So more days to fulfill it are as great a privilege.
in my understanding, according to the last few chapters of revelation there will be a new heaven and a new earth. god will come to live on the new earth with his people. will we spend eternity with God? yes. will it be in heaven, more than likely not. even the apostle paul's hope after death was to be "with christ." he doesn't been of going to heaven like we commonly mention it today. with that being said, i agree with you. a lot of gospel lyrics seem to glorify materialism. it's obvious that our treasure is in our bank accounts, not with God. we want success in business, finding a mate, buying a house, but what about living a life that christ can point to as an example? i think the reason is that following the latter doesn't always ensure the former. it's not a "comfortable" life living for Christ the way it's lined out in the scriptures.
Very interesting topic! I have considered that a few times myself. We sure do flip the script at funerals/home-going services though! Then we talk about how we're headed to a better place. I almost want to say that those phrases may have become easy cliches that fit well into ad libs... Or maybe it is just an emphasis on the fact that God has power over death and our time here on Earth is in His hands. Perhaps we let the pain of losing those we love, often "too soon" in our eyes, cloud our understanding and remembrance of the glory He has prepared for us. I don't know, but the Psalm proclaims, Let Everything that hath breath, Praise the Lord! So I'm on it til He calls me home! P.S. I will also throw in there that much of Southern Gospel (think Bill Gaither, etc.) focuses on Heaven and going home all the time. (e.g. at the midnight cry, we'll be going home; when we all get to heaven; Sweet Beulah Land; etc.)...wonder why that is??
i've definitely thought about this on numerous occassions.. especially when an artist has a song about I WANNA GO TO HEAVEN and another song THANK GOD I DIDNT DIE on the same album. This goes along with people who are on their death beds. We'll get all the "prayer warriors" to speak against death and lay hands because Johnny still got work to do on earth. But when he dies, we then rejoice for his home going because he's in a "better" place. But i guess it seems morbid to tell Johnny, "yo, look at it this way, if you die today from your wounds...ur going to heaven. How cool is that homie?" But honestly, i believe Christians have more lingering DOUBTS about their faith than they'd care to admit. Fear of the unknown... fear of not fulfilling dreams. fear of not knowing if they are saved... not know if their confession of faith was from their hearts or just "something to do" ...fear of leaving behind family and friends. fear of all this christianity stuff possibly NOT being true. This topic can go in so many different ways... hopefully people will actually start READING their word to get understand & build up their faith.
Then should we stop praying for the sick saints to recover and pray that they make a peaceful transition from earth to heaven? Jesus prayed for the sick that they would recover, and even raised people from the dead. So, to me if Jesus appreciated life so much that He lengthened it even past the time that would appear to be too late, then we should appreciate life and being kept alive just the same. My two cents....
You're funny...lol But I agree with you.
Do you have any specific examples of song lyrics you're talking about for deeper understanding of your question? I'll say this: the Lord didn't put us here for nothing. We're here to fulfill a purpose. The worst thing about death isn't dying, it's leaving here without fufilling one's God-given purpose. And it's alright to enjoy and appreciate what this life is supposed to bring/have (from the Lord). The key is not to put everything into this earthly life, e.g. gaining the world and losing one's soul.
oh wow!! hmmm, interesting points!
We're doing a study right now on our purpose in Eternity, and more than anything I am becoming aware of how much I don't know about life after this one. I guess it's easier to sing about what we know, or have been taught, than to have to do the in-depth study about what we don't. However, more songs about what God says about eternity would help to shift our focus, and give believers, and unbelievers, something to look forward to. When I focus on heaven (the little I DO know), it makes what I go through in this life more bearable.
I do think that many artists glorify earthy possessions, than glorying the heavenly things. I also think not enough songs are about going to heaven, but mainly about living the good life on earth. The bible says we are sitting in heavenly places. We are just passing through, the believers in Christ should write songs that not only lift up Jesus but show them that they can live a blessed life here on earth. It is not just about going to heaven, that is important, but it also about your walk with God on this earth.In addition, they need to be a balance of both.
Agreed Tam!
Why can't we sing about life on Earth? Jesus walked the Earth. This planet that God created is beautiful. It's called the celebration of life. We, as Christians are excited about Heaven, but if we were "all THAT excited", we would have jumped off buildings to get there a long time ago.
well, not sure if KILLING ourselves would be considered the Christian thing to do.... lol I think its frowned upon. And i think the point is not to say singing about life on earth is WRONG... i think he was saying why do we act as if leaving earth is a BAD thing.
It's not just you and you pose a GREAT question. I think so many of us are focused on the here and now and our hope for the future pertains to our future here on earth. Why we continue to think this way may have something to do with our leaders. So many ministers focus on how we will come out of poverty and be healed and how our families will be strengthened... all things about our life on this earth.
Man this is a great topic. I feel two ways about it I guess. For one music is important but they're only songs and the few people that are writing in this industry doesn't dictate to the many souls who are focused on heaven. But in terms of the songs, I believe more people are trying to be real about where they are. I grew up in poverty and was told that having things was wrong but when I started reading the WOrd for myself, God's people were prosperous. The promises he made to them were of prosperity. That doesn't neglect Heaven. When we pray the Lord's prayer we pray 'Thy kingdom COME thy will be done on earth'. Humans were made for earth even though we have a promise in heaven. It was Adam's fall that made a need for redemption. Man ruined the earth by giving the keys to Satan. So we need to go to Heaven so that God can judge and pour out his wrath. SOmetimes I desire to hear things pointed to Heaven more than earthly things. I just think there's a need for balance.
EJ; I wish you would have included some examples to further your argument. I prefer songs about the work we need to do here on earth and how our transformation through God will transform our world. Great to sing about heaven, but faith without works is dead. So I prefer music that speaks of the greatest of our God and all that we can do through him to help others. Only then will heaven be the reward... "Everybody talking or singing about heaven and going there."
Really, I don't completely understand where you're coming from. I'm gonna need some examples.
I see both views here. I think it is ok to sing about how God has blessed you here on Earth and the promise God has about the ability to receive everlasting life. *Unfortunately, the problem arises when there is an imbalance in our collection of gospel music. The imbalance occurs when there are too many lyrics about materialistic and temporary aspects of life to the point that God is not glorified. The imbalance that we identify in music today is exactly what is causing people to get confused. If the lyrics were more clear and on target (aligned with the word of God) you would hear more people expressing comprehension of an omnipresent that is with you all day to help you travel to another place when that time comes for you. In direct contrast, several songs I have heard (not all) are so jumbled and mixed about gaining what can be traded on Ebay or sent via Western Union that you may not even hear the name of God. THAT IS DISTURBING AND CONFUSING! For example, I am getting so tired of the famous ad lib about "your finances". The Lord's Prayer is a perfect example of a consistent and balanced approach. Earth is going to pass away, so an extremely long wish list of things and time on Earth is not a wise choice.