cross( John 10:10), true and full obedience is a sacrifice of self. I must carry my own cross. I must be a Romans 12:1“ living sacrifice.”
Drenched in today’ s prevalent, hyperconsumeristic,“ what’ s in it for me?” worldview, the idea of carrying our own crosses doesn’ t sell well— it presents some very real marketing difficulties for the modern Church. But we must remind ourselves and our congregations of this uncomfortable truth. And not just at Easter.
Half a cross is not a cross. We must sing both sides of the paradox: the gift and the cost.
So what songs can we sing? Here are some examples.
Way back in 2000, a team of writers including Chris Tomlin added a new chorus to Isaac Watts’ classic hymn“ When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Their derivative work,“ The Wonderful Cross”( CCLI Song # 3148435), clearly reminds us of the sacrifice of self that is the responsibility of every disciple of Jesus. Framed by Watts’ timeless verses, the chorus invites congregations to sing this difficult, paradoxical truth: O the wonderful cross O the wonderful cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live to close the song— we find a clear and muchneeded reminder that the cross is not only for Jesus; it is also for us. This moment can feel like a musical and poetic afterthought, but it’ s actually where we find a beautifully simple, unambiguous call to discipleship: Bear your cross as you wait for the crown Tell the world of the treasure you’ ve found
And, of course, the beloved hymn“ Be Still My Soul” calls us to: Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Perhaps you know others.
In closing, allow me to share two more Bible passages that speak to the greatest paradox of all— the paradox of the cross:
Galatians 2:20( NIV)“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Romans 12:1( NIV)“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in
view of God’ s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.”
NOTE: I call my repertoire my“ Song Garage” as a reminder that each song is merely a vehicle to a far more important destination. Presenting songs during a church service— and having the congregation sing them— is not the ultimate
goal. Each song is a vehicle of musicality and poetry that carries us somewhere. Where? To connection— with God and with one another as a church family.
Grant Norsworthy Grant is the founder of More Than Music Mentor- providing online & onsite training for the heart & the art of worshipping singers, instrumentalists & technicians. Grant’ a passion is to IMPROVE musicality, INCREASE participation, INSTILL unity & INSPIRE worship in The Church worldwide. An Aussie who also lived in Nashville, TN, USA for 17 years as a pro CCM muso, today Grant lives and works from his Nelson New Zealand home base.
MoreThanMusicMentor. com Facebook. com / GrantNorsworthy In 2006, Brooke Ligertwood of Hillsong gave us“ Lead Me to the Cross”( CCLI Song # 4785828). The chorus reminds us that the cross is not just what Jesus has done for us— it is also what is required of us: Lead me to the cross Where Your love poured out Bring me to my knees Lord I lay me down Rid me of myself I belong to You Oh lead me, lead me to the cross Elevation Worship gave us the profound and beautiful“ O Come to the Altar” in 2015. In the final half-verse— sung after the final choruses
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