What’s my soul worth to you, Christian?
Is it worth your time of day to speak to me some words of love and faith–
Before I go my way, before you go your way?
What’s my soul worth to you, Christian?
Is it worth some act of love to show me you believe in God above?
Before I go my way, before you go your way?
Is my soul worth the chance that I won’t ridicule you?
Is my soul worth the chance that I will listen to you?
Is my soul worth the chance that God will speak through you?
Before I go my way, before you go your way?
What’s my soul worth to you, Christian?
Is it worth a life that shows in every way the joy of God you know?
Before I go my way, before you go your way?
Is my soul worth the chance that I won’t ridicule you?
Is my soul worth the chance that I will listen to you?
Is my soul worth the chance that God will speak through you?
Before I go my way, before you go your way?
About this Song:
This song, written during the early 1970s, is addressed to the Christian who’s hiding his witness under a basket.
It’s a strong appeal from someone so hungry for the Gospel that he’s willing to challenge the Christian who–for whatever reason–fails to share God’s Good News with him. This non-Christian is specific in asking why the Christian won’t share:
- words of love and faith
- an act of love
- a life that shows the joy of knowing God.
I can’t speak for other Christians, but even now, fifty-some years after writing this song, the lyrics still condemn me for my hesitation to “intrude” into the lives of others with the message of hope they might be desperately in need of–and perhaps even hungry to listen to. I’m great at making up excuses for keeping Jesus to myself.
- I may not stutter like Moses, but I’m much better at expressing myself in writing than I am verbally. While I do share my faith in my novels, my songs, and my other writing, does that excuse me from speaking when the time is right?
- I may not have riches to share with those in need, but I have more than I need. What’s my excuse for not giving what I have?
- And if my life is as full of joy in Christ as I believe it is, what’s my excuse for not living more joyfully? Can’t I at least make my joy obvious in making positive contacts with other people?
After traveling to various parts of the world on short-term mission trips and meeting a variety of people who live in vastly different cultures and circumstances, I believe more strongly than ever that every person on this earth needs salvation–for the assurance of eternal life in heaven and the assurance of a more meaningful life here on earth–through faith in Jesus Christ.
Of all the songs I wish I’d been the one to write,“People Need the Lord” heads my list.
Who’s going to tell those people if we Christians don’t?
I’m not responsible for other Christians, though. I’m only responsible for myself.
What do you think? How about leaving a comment?
~*~
Free lead sheets (lyrics, tune, and chords) are available for many of my songs. Click on the Lead Sheets tab at the top of this page to see whether one is available for this song.
Look for me again next Wednesday. Better still, subscribe to receive these weekly posts by email.
Best regards,
Roger
Links you might be interested in:
As I Come Singing. . . 