Ok, so I'll be honest. This song might challenge you a little. Maybe the lyrics, which are a little boundary-pushing but really make a deep impact when you read them all as a whole. Maybe the music itself, which is more electronic than you might be used to.

But for me, the most challenging part about the song is that it leans on my heart. This is one of those songs that reflects the hard parts of Jesus' teaching and not just the good news of grace that I would always rather hear. This song convicts me. It points a finger at my life and asks me the question: "What in this world is actually worth what you give up to get it?" And it points me back to Jesus' question in last Sunday's gospel: "For what will it profit you to gain the whole world and forfeit your life?" It's this question of worth that is most challenging. What is worth my time, my energy, my passion? And the answer is simple: those things that reveal God's mercy and grace to the world - THESE are the things worth it.

So take a listen. Bear with it. It's a short song, just over 3 minutes. You can survive it. And you might even learn something about yourself while you listen. See where God is challenging you to live a life of divine worth.



What you give up to get it
by Derek Webb
from his album "Stockholm Syndrome"

Like sex when you’re too young
Like youth when you’ve got none
Like home when you’re too drunk
Getting everything you wanted with a line of bad credit
It was never quite worth what you gave up to get it

Like style made by slaves
Like bribes to throw the race
Like women who know their place
Like an indian casino or a tank of unleaded
It was never quite worth what you gave up to get it

Stand back
You love it now but it’s too much

Like fame for what you’re not
Like joy that you bought
Like pleasure that never hits the spot
Like security for liberty, you gotta admit it
It was never quite worth what you gave up to get it

Stand back
You love it now but it’s too much