You may be wondering: What do all of these songs have in common?
This summer as I have been driving back and forth from support meetings, I have become much more “in tune” with today’s radio hits. Although these songs were probably not meant to inspire me with biblical relevance, there are some powerful lines that remind me of Christ’s truth.
Romans 12 talks about the renewal of our minds and what it looks like to love as Christ calls us to love. As I reflect on these scriptures, it has been hard for me to not find biblical messages in the more unlikely of places, some of my favorite top summer hits of 2015.
Romans 12:2 Renewal of our minds
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:9-13 Love in Action
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Rachel Platten- Fight Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQhGnNEFtPk
“I don’t really care if nobody else believes, cause I still got a lot of fight left in me”
This song encourages perseverance. See Psalms 16:8
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord./ With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
The Struts- Could Have Been Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu2hBrC7NEM
“I don't wanna take my time/ I don't wanna waste one line/ I wanna live better days/ Never look back and say/ It could have been me”
This song reminds me to live and work hard with passion and purpose. See Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”
Coldplay- Strawberry Swing- (maybe not a top hit anymore…) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isH1yy8I_dc
“Without you it’s a waste of time”
This line reminds me of how Christ is the center of my life. See 1 Cor. 1:30
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."
Jenny Lewis- Just One Of The Guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwZa0jRnHlQ
“No matter how hard I try, to be just one of the guys, there’s a little something inside that prevents me”
This one resonates because God can call us to things that don’t align with our culture’s social norms. Jesus called us to be transformed through Him, not to conform (back to Rom 12:2).
Also see John 17:16 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
Keep your ears open this month to try to hear God’s truth in places where you would least expect it. Then go read what the bible says about that topic. I would love to hear about these unexpected connections, even if it's a stretch!
Thanks for listening.