Dirty hands and a clean heart
This phrase has been on mind lately. I've been thinking a lot about people who aren't yet involved in a relationship with God. Looking from the outside in, it must be easy to feel inadequate, and until you've righted yourself sufficiently, you can't darken the door of church.
Actually, I'd love it if church started becoming the complete opposite of this. I'd love it if church started being more proactive, people getting their hands dirty. I'd love to have more opportunity to get my hands dirty. Still not sure what that looks like, if you know, do tell.
The song God of this City was written in a bar in Pattaya, Thailand. We went there as part of a missions trip to Thailand. Our expectations were none, we hadn't done this sort of thing before - I'd personally never been to Asia before that time. Did we have some 'heart' for Thailand prior to the trip? Not particularly! Sorry, no offence Thailand! We just hadn't experienced it.
The truth is, when you worship in a place, you start to see God's heart for a place. One of the most revelationary moments of my life to date has been playing a worship set in a strip club and hearing God say "I'm the God of this city". These people are oppressed and exploited, they're sold and forced to do the most derogatory acts - and in the midst of them God says 'I love these people'.
We look with our eyes and we see the wrong, but when we look beyond the situation and we see the true beauty and value in someone's existence, we see what God loves without condition. The things I've seen, I've been helpless to change - that's the truth, I am totally powerless to change anything by my own strength. In spite of all this - God, give me the opportunity to be part of the change, to resound your voice that says 'I love you, without clause or condition'. To renounce condemnation of the world and say that despite the dirt, despite your history, there is a new way - there is a banquet and you are invited.
That's my God.
Actually, I'd love it if church started becoming the complete opposite of this. I'd love it if church started being more proactive, people getting their hands dirty. I'd love to have more opportunity to get my hands dirty. Still not sure what that looks like, if you know, do tell.
The song God of this City was written in a bar in Pattaya, Thailand. We went there as part of a missions trip to Thailand. Our expectations were none, we hadn't done this sort of thing before - I'd personally never been to Asia before that time. Did we have some 'heart' for Thailand prior to the trip? Not particularly! Sorry, no offence Thailand! We just hadn't experienced it.
The truth is, when you worship in a place, you start to see God's heart for a place. One of the most revelationary moments of my life to date has been playing a worship set in a strip club and hearing God say "I'm the God of this city". These people are oppressed and exploited, they're sold and forced to do the most derogatory acts - and in the midst of them God says 'I love these people'.
We look with our eyes and we see the wrong, but when we look beyond the situation and we see the true beauty and value in someone's existence, we see what God loves without condition. The things I've seen, I've been helpless to change - that's the truth, I am totally powerless to change anything by my own strength. In spite of all this - God, give me the opportunity to be part of the change, to resound your voice that says 'I love you, without clause or condition'. To renounce condemnation of the world and say that despite the dirt, despite your history, there is a new way - there is a banquet and you are invited.
That's my God.
posted by Blackdog at
00:05
4 Comments:
I can honestly say, after hearing this story at Passion Los Angeles a few days ago, it has changed the entire way I think about others. It's incredible to think about how God seriously just spoke through you guys in the middle of a brothel. it gives me chills and a huge smile and makes me want to go NOW and do something instead of sitting her writing this- no offence haha.
good post man. hope your well....
rick
I heard your song "God in This City" covered by Chris Tomlin some weeks back. It struck me deeply. I live in Austin, Texas, USA, where I work with a group who ministers to the homeless and the people of the inner city. The song felt like an anthem for the ministry. We have seen God move in mighty ways, seen lives changed and hearts renewed among the most broken and forgotten people in our community. I love that your blog entry is titled,"Dirty hands and a clean heart." On Sunday mornings, before our group attends their own congregations, we gather under a downtown overpass to have church with people on the street. Sitting on the pavement your hands can't help but get dirty, but you go every Sunday just to see the look on people's faces when they encounter the transforming power of God's love. Thank you for sharing this song. It is beautiful, and powerful.
it's been class to hear some of the comments and emails about how this song has affected peoples lives. Some people have said that you can't get your hands much dirtier than playing a worship set in a brothel, but I guess I'm looking for this sort of stuff in my every day life. Still looking for more!! Bluetree have some big plans to get in to the dirt up to our necks, and quite possibly over our heads :)
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