Sting’s iconic song “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” has inspired many over the years. The song, which was released in 1993, explores the theme of faith and the pursuit of God. In a world that is often focused on materialism and worldly possessions, this song serves as a reminder that there are more important things to pursue in life.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics:
“You could say I lost my faith in science and progress
You could say I lost my belief in the holy church
You could say I lost my sense of direction”
These lines suggest that the speaker has lost faith in the things that many people rely on for guidance and purpose. Science and progress have failed to answer life’s big questions, and the church has let him down. He feels lost and directionless.
But the chorus of the song offers a glimmer of hope:
“If I ever lose my faith in you
There’d be nothing left for me to do
Some would say I was a lost man in a lost world
You could say I’d lost my faith in the people on TV
You could say I’d lost my belief in our politicians
They all seemed like strangers to me”
The speaker acknowledges that if he lost his faith in God, there would be nothing left for him to hold on to. He realizes that pursuing worldly things such as fame, fortune, and power will not fulfill him. He sees through the façade of the media and politicians, recognizing that they do not represent his values or beliefs.
The bridge of the song further emphasizes the importance of pursuing God:
“There’s nothing sacred but an honest word
It’s just a game that we play
And for heaven’s sake
Look at what we’ve done
But watch the stars, and pray”
The bridge suggests that the pursuit of God is the only truly sacred thing. It calls into question the value of material possessions and worldly pursuits, suggesting that they are simply a game that we play. The lines “look at what we’ve done” refer to the damage that humans have inflicted on the world, and the only solution is to “watch the stars and pray.”
Overall, “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” is a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing God and the emptiness of pursuing worldly things. Sting’s lyrics offer a message of hope in a world that can often feel chaotic and directionless. It encourages us to focus on the things that truly matter in life and to hold on to our faith even in the face of adversity.
Salt is an essential mineral that has been used for thousands of years to preserve food and enhance its flavor. In biblical times, salt was also a valuable commodity, used as currency and even as a symbol of a covenant between God and his people. Jesus spoke of the importance of salt in Matthew 5:13, saying, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (ESV).
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” Colossians 4:6 (ESV).
One of the primary functions of salt is to enhance the flavor of food, making it more enjoyable to eat. In the same way, Christians are called to be a positive influence in the world, making it a better and more enjoyable place to live. Jesus’ metaphor of salt emphasizes the importance of Christians maintaining their distinctiveness and flavor rather than blending in with the world around them. As Paul writes in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (ESV).
Another important use of salt is as a preservative, preventing food from spoiling and decaying. Similarly, Christians are called to preserve influence in the world, standing up for what is right and just and resisting the decay and corruption of sin. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth” (ESV). Just as salt preserves food from decay, Christians are called to preserve society from the harmful effects of sin and injustice.
“You are the salt of the earth” Matthew 5:13 (ESV)
In today’s world, there is a great need for Christians to be salt within the earth. We are called to be a positive influence in the world, preserving what is good and right and enhancing the flavor of life for those around us. Let us strive to maintain our distinctiveness as followers of Christ, and to be a preserving influence in the world, pointing others toward the hope and love that we have found in Jesus.
3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings,[a] flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
Why did this jump out?
Prayer and incense are often associated with the Bible. The idea is that just as perfume is precious, pleasant, and drifts into the air, so do our prayers. So, as incense ascends into heaven, this shows that God accepts prayers we pray and the offering we give before His throne each day.
Application:
A healthy prayer life can set in motion a change of more potent events than all the dark and mighty powers let loose against us and, in the world, more powerful than anything else. For the power of prayer set ablaze by the fire of God can change history.
Today Prayer
Father, I thank you for each prayer we pray ascends before you like a sweet-smelling incense and is accepted by you. Set our hearts on fire with the drive and compassion to be prayer warriors whose prayer life becomes ablaze and fervent that our prayers would change circumstances and your heart.
