We’ve all probably heard the words and sung them at the end of some heart searching sermon:
Far above all else I must be saved
Far above all else I must be saved
Lord whatever you have to do in me
Don’t let me be lost for eternity
Far above all else I must be saved
To some people these may just be words maybe even just the right ones to momentarily free them of the haunting effects of a guilty conscience. I must admit that I many times have subconsciously ridden this wagon, singing the song and not really grasping the depth of the words I sang.
Recently while singing this very song, I think I got a glimpse into what I was really singing. From then till now, I don’t think it is possible to casually sing the lyrics anymore because they give no casual message.
That line “Above all else I must be saved” MUST be the Christian’s motto. Was it not Jesus who said “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”? (Luke 10:18b-20 ESV) These words leave me in the placed where I’m forced to see that the only thing that really matters in the end is that I’m saved and the only thing worth rejoicing over is the fact that is worth rejoicing over is that very fact.
I may be wrong, but it seems that in today’s Christianity this seems to be an overlooked truth. Our church recently did a number of street meeting and in those outreach meetings many of the church members gave testimonies: I noticed that there were those who talked about Jesus being their healer, provider, friend etc but missed that important characteristic of savior. (After all, isn’t that why he is called Jesus? Matt 1:21)
There must be a resurgence of real Gospel preaching where people are made aware of the fact that they are sinners and God hates and will judge that sin. I do realize the plethora of problems and trials that people face today but I also realize that the trials of this life are nothing to be compared to the righteous wrath that God will pour out upon the wicked in hell. There is no greater pain than the pain of lostness and that is the reason for Paul’s words to the
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
It is these verses that lead me to maybe the most painful part of the song: Whatever you have to do in me don’t let me be lost for eternity. How is that painful? Isn’t it a joy to know God can work in me both to will and to work for his good pleasure (That we should be holy and without blame before him in love Ephesians 1:5 NKJV)? The answer is yes and no. My spirit rejoices in it but my flesh cringes at the thought. Not just because it is Godly but also because God’s ways are very unpleasant to it.
What does God have to do in/with me that above all else I will be saved?
- Make me miss some opportunities that I may have benefited from physically?
- Make me loose some friends so I would not be unequally yoked and influenced by unbelievers?
- Give me some sickness so I have no other option but to trust him and serve him, and maybe be hindered from doing some sin with my body?
- Or maybe even kill me when everything is alright.
My desire is even in these is: Far above all else I must be saved.
