Simple Minds

Sanctify Yourself

While the group "Simple Minds" doesn't always conjure up visions of alternative music from the 1980's, all of their music isn't bubble gum pop music from that era. This particular song is probably considered more in the "pop" genre than alternative. However, I felt like this particular song would be a good one to think through Biblically. Here are the lyrics

Is this the age of the thunder and rage Can you feel the ground move 'round your feet If you take one step closer, it'll lead to another The crossroad above is where we meet I shout out for shelter, I need you for something The whole world is out, they're all on the street Control yourself, love is all you need Control yourself, in your eyes Sanctify yourself, sanctify Be apart of me, sanctify Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, set yourself free In pictures of living, in bloodshot a vision Sweet miracles and strange circumstances I see the sun up, the showdown, the cool winds that blow down On the big beat that life-long romance is You've got a gun in your hand, you're making self plans Stay with me all through the night Control yourself, love is all you need Control yourself, open up your heart Sanctify yourself, sanctify Be apart of me, sanctify Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, set yourself free You can't stop the world for a boy or a girl Sweet victims of poor circumstances But you can pour back the love, sweeping down from above Giving hope and making more chances Well, I hope and I pray that maybe someday You'll come back down here and show me the way Control yourself, love is all you need Control yourself, open up your heart Open up your heart Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, set yourself free

While there are many songs from Simple Minds that are referring to romantic love and all its struggles, this one isn't necessarily one. It actually appears to be a song that is struggling with making sense of a world that seems cruel "can't stop the world for a boy or a girl Sweet victims of poor circumstances". It is also dealing with one's attempt to be sanctified for the purpose of being connected with God "Santify yourself, sanctify be a part of me". The theme of love is the answer as well as further understanding from God "and I pray that maybe someday You'll come back down here and show me the way". This song also looks at the world as being in turmoil "In this age of the thunder and rage".

Does the Bible speak on such things:

#1. Is the world a hopeless round planet that is spinning out of control?

"He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16

Jesus has a firm grip of control on what is happening in all creation, otherwise things would be out of control.

"Who has cleft a channel for the flood, or a way for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a land without people, on a desert without a man in it, to satisfy the waste and desolate land and to make the seeds of grass to sprout?" Job 38: 25-27

Clearly from this passage God (who is addressing Job) knows what happens on the earth and has a mighty say on what will and will not happen.

#2. What does sanctification have to do with God?

A quick note about the word "sanctify": It means to set apart, make something holy (unique according to God's standards).

Anyone that tries to sanctify themselves to get closer to God will fail, God is the one who must sanctify them first.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, no swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

One is sanctified, by being justifed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. After that, the Christian is in the process of continually being sanctified the rest of their days on the earth.

#3. Does God need to come back down to show us what to do? to explain how one becomes truly sanctified?

Understand that everyone is guilty of sin

"What then? are we better than they? Not at all; for we ahve already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." Romans 3:9-11

There will be judgement of sin

"and the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:13-15

Jesus became the only acceptable payment for our sin

"For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands – the representation of the true sanctuary – but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God’s presence for us. And he did not enter to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the sanctuary year after year with blood that is not his own, for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice. And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation." Hebrews 9:24-28

We must turn from a life infected with sin to trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel" Mark 1:15

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Husker Du

Too Far Down
(click on the song title to find a link for hearing a sample)

I always liked the musical sound of Husker Du when I was in High School. They were a unique group that was a mix between punk/grunge/hard rock and even some elements of being unplugged (although never fully). While this description isn't real helpful, I find that they had a unique sound with Bob Mould. Since Mould's departure, they aren't quite the same group. Lyrically, they were known for having some cryptic-enegmatic words. Even the song that I chose to highlight, it is a bit confusing. Here are the lyrics:

I'm down again And I don't know how to tell you

But maybe this time I can't come back Because I might be too far down

I wish for real

That I could turn it on and off

Like hot and cold and up and down

Because I'm down again I'm too far down

I couldn't begin to smile

Because I can't even laugh or cry Because I just can't do it

If it was so easy to be happy Why am I so down?

All I can do is sit and wonder if it's going to end Or if I should just go away forever

When I sit and think I wish that I just could die Or let someone else be happy

By setting my own self free And you don't want the emotion

Because the taste it leaves is for real But nothing's ever real until it's gone

And I might be too far down And is this just another thrown away Or is this the end of the whole stupid road

But you wouldn't want to know how I feel anyway Because the darkest hole is at the end of the road I'm down again And I guess I'm not the only one who dreams That there's not any way to tell you Because I might be too far down

Well, clearly this is a song about depression and the intense pressure of despair. This song doesn't really tell us why the depression exists but only that it is real. In fact, the statement about "setting my own self free" is probably a reference to contemplation of suicide. What does God say about these things?

Ecclesiastes 2:9-11 "So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my hear found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."

It is nothing new to look at life as empty. In fact the word vanity carries with it the connotation of emptiness. So, you may pour yourself into a project, hobby, relationship or a money making endeavor but you will find in the end it is really vain.

Is the answer suicide?

No, you will not set yourself free. In fact, you may very well be setting into motion your eternal existence of suffering in punishment.

The answer: Colossians 3:1-4

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

No person can truly possess hope (the Biblical definition of hope is desire & expectancy) without the Gospel. Unless, you recognize that you sin and are awaiting to be judged by God one day of sins, and that you need to trust the Lord Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness of sins and to reconcile your relationship with God ... you will still remain in the hopelessness of what the world has to offer. But if you have trusted in Jesus Christ for your forgiveness of sins, (the Gospel) you don't need to be stuck in the pit of depression. This passage in Colossians tells us that our mind's eye should be focused on our relationship and eternal existence in His presence.

Depeche Mode

Walking In My Shoes
(click on song title to hear a sample)

This band is borderline new wave and alternative. Depeche mode has been around for a long number of years but I was thinking about one of there songs just recently. Therefore, I thought I would review one of their songs and see how it lines up theologically.

I would tell you about the things they put me through
The pain I've been subjected to
But the Lord himself would blush
The countless feasts laid at my feet
Forbidden fruits for me to eat
But I think your pulse would start to rush
Now I'm not looking for absolution
Forgiveness for the things I do
But before you come to any conclusions

Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps
Keep the same appointments I kept
If you try walking in my shoes
If you try walking in my shoes Morality would frown upon
Decency look down upon
The scapegoat fate's made of me
But I promise now, my judge and jurors
My intentions couldn't have been purer
My case is easy to see I'm not looking for a clearer conscience
Peace of mind after what I've been through
And before we talk of any repentance
Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps

Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
Now I'm not looking for absolution Forgiveness for the things I do But before you come to any conclusions Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept
If you try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes

Melodically, I can appreciate the song's gritty dance groove that combines heavy electronics with Depeche Mode's usual harmonies. That is where the appreciation for the song stops. The blasphemy is what first startles me: "I would tell you about the things they put me through the pain I've been subjected to but the Lord Himself would blush"
I wonder if ignorance could be claimed here? Read Isaiah 53 and then realize that nobody holds a candle to what Jesus experienced in pain, suffering, isolation, being deserted, being labeled a criminal even though Jesus was making propitiation. It kind of makes you want to say to Depeche Mode ... you need a reality check dudes, the universe doesn't revolve around you - get off your high horse!

The other thing that I notice about this song is that it isn't written to ask for forgiveness. In fact, the mere thought of repentance is rather offensive: "before we talk of repentance try walking in my shoes"
While, the lyrics claim to not be seeking a justification of one's hidden sins, that is what they really are seeking. It reminds me of Romans 2:14-16 "For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus." Clearly, you don't make a song proclaiming all the things that are before your feet as a music superstar, unless you are seeking to defend your conscience. Depeche Mode has done a good job of doing what any lost person does, defending their actions from sin against their conscience.

Recommendation: Don't listen to be edified, but be reminded of the ugliness of sin and the hardness of heart.

R.E.M.

Everybody Hurts

R.E.M. is a band that was alternative in the early 80's but soon made the transition to the mainstream. Some of the early songs were unique and a bit difficult to decipher the lyrics. (think "driver 8") The musical sound is what made them standout in their appeal to many fans of the alternative genre. They have been known to dabble in the political/moral areas of society with some of their lyrics. However, they are not anywhere near the level of Midnight Oil in their outspokenness. My personal taste is that I can enjoy some of their music and leave some of their music.

What about the theology in any of their songs?

Here is a song that many will recognize but few may know the full lyrics:

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone, when you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on. Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes. Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along. When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on) if you feel like letting go, (hold on) when you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on. Everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends. Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand. If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long, when you think you've had too much of this life to hang on. Well, everybody hurts sometimes, everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes. And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. (repeat & fade)(Everybody hurts. You are not alone.)

The theology of everybody hurts is essentially humanistic. The song acknowledges that pain is a part of life and that everybody experiences it to some degree. The song implores the hurting one to keep from harming himself/herself because of the dire circumstances. There are two solutions for making it through this time: 1st Use your own strength to make it through "hold on, hold on" 2nd Rely on your friends to help you in the struggle. This is a very humanistic solution to handling pain and struggle in this world.

What does God say?

The Christian has a source to overcome the rough times in life. Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The Lord Jesus Christ is our true place of comfort because He will work His will in us. He will also respond to our situation through prayer according to the will of God. The result should be a peace in the midst of life's struggle that God is sovereignly in control.

What a greater comfort to have in a trial than this. It shows the lyrics of the song "hold on, hold on" to be incredibly worthless advice!

The song does make a good point about friends. Or should I say fellowship! The appeal to others is not bad advice during a struggle. However, the believer has even greater comfort by seeking other believers in the local Church for encouragement. I am reminded of the Scripture found in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moments, so that it will give grace to those who hear."

This song is a reminder that humanism brings no encouragement and is really fatalistic.

The Smiths

Big Mouth Strikes Again

(click on above to hear a sample)

Sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking when I said I'd like to smash every tooth in your head Sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking when I said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed.

And now I know how Joan of Arc felt, Now I Know how Joan of Arc felt, As the Flames rose to her Roman nose And her Walk-man started to melt.

Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth la da da da Big mouth strikes again and I've got no right to take My place with the human race Oh, oh, oh oh oh Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth la da da da, Big mouth strikes again And I've got no right to take my place with the Human race.

And now i know how Joan of Arc felt, Now i know how Joan of Arc felt, As the Flames rose to her roman nose and her hearing aid started to melt

Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth strikes again and i've got no right to take My place with the human race Oh,oh,oh oh Big mouth la da da da da (etc)

This group is one that I became aware of because it was a popular alternative group. One of my roomies was fond of them, having a poster of Morrissey in his room. I won't go there!

These lyrics are bemoaning the fact that someone's mouth has gotten them into trouble. It is not a new problem but one that has happened to many people. The mouth is a problem because words can cause all sorts of problems. James 3:3-8 "Now, if we put the bits into the horses' mouth so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison."

However, the Christian has no excuse for this kind of verbal behavior. The church in Ephesus was exhorted to properly handle the tongue towards the church and outsiders. Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." or Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

This song is only edifying when you consider why the tongue is dangerous and what we as Christians are expected to do.

The Sundays

I kicked a boy
(click on the above link to hear a sample)

The lyrics:

When the weathers fine, when its sunny outside
Think about the time I kicked a boy til he cried
Oh, I couldve been wrong, but I don't think I was
He's such a child
When I am alone, I remember so well
How merrily I tripped a boy so he fell
Oh I couldve been wrong, but I don't think I was
He's totally wild
And Ive been wondering lately just whose gonna save me
Now I have a cold, and no story to tell
I'd marry you but I'm so unwell
And I could've been wrong Well I don't think I was
He's totally wild
And I've been wondering lately Just whose gonna save me
Yes you should've been wise Oh hysterical child
Where'd you learn to do that

The group the Sundays gets into my 80's alternative music list because it was released in 1990. I have to recognize my friend and roommate at the time Jeff for introducing me to them. I actually enjoyed them so much that I would borrow the CD and listen to it when Jeff was out. I believe the Bible calls that stealing. None the less, I learned about this group from Jeff.

This song is known but didn't top the charts like their songs "wild horses" and "Here's where the story ends". Yet, this song is a great picture of the depravity of man. So, I chose to review it here. It seems the content of the lyrics focuses on a girl having a troubled conscience about doing physical harm to a boy from her childhood. She seems to be reflecting on her regret. However, she takes herself off the hook by saying 'he was wild'. Does Scripture say anything about that?

1 Peter 3:8-9 "To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult ..."

While this passage is addressed to Christians, unbelievers are not allowed to ignore righteous acts. Returning an evil deed (kicking) because someone committed an evil deed against you is an act of sin.

Romans 1:28-29 "and just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips"

This passage addresses why a child could justify kicking another child. It is the problem of the depravity of sin that affects every human being. However, even in the lyrics, it appears she is questioning if she is really well. It is a question that every person must ask if they are going to receive salvation. It is part of the process of repentance in the life of an unbeliever. Once, someone acknowledges that sin is a problem that makes them very unwell..... they may be ready to hear the solution that is found in Jesus Christ.

This song is a great reminder of the lost justifying their sinful actions. It is also a reminder that they may be aware that something is really wrong. What a motivation to talk with people that are looking at their past sins with questions. The Gospel is the greatest news to people, who realize just how sick they have become because of sin.

If you like acoustical guitars and a great harmonious voice, the Sundays fill the bill. If you are thinking about the lyrics to this song, remember the depravity of humanity!

BOB MOULD

Sinners and Their Repentances

(click on title to hear a sample of the song)

I have to give credit to my college roommate “Pat” for helping me to hear Bob Mould for the first time. Actually, I had listened to Husker Du but wasn’t aware that the singer/song writer had a solo album. The album “Workbook” came blaring through the Chevy S-10 pickup, while my buddy was working in the backyard. The guitar rift for his first song (no words) was a great sounding tune that hooked me. The song that I am taking a look at is called “Sinners and their Repentances”. Here are the lyrics and the commentary:

All those things i've done before, It doesn't matter anymore
I see the errors of my oh-so-humble ways
Better run before, There's no way that i can cover for
All these things catch up to me, We've all sinned before
I have sinned before
While, I am not sure what the lyrics are conveying in the first line, the song admits that the issue of sin is a reality for all. In fact, “pride” may be part of a sin issue that is being admitted. Scripture confirms this, Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

These sins, they seem to fit you well
Since i have known these sins so well
All these sins i've known before, They just don't concern me anymore
A secret voice in my sleep, Better speak before
Know there's someone right behind the door, I don't seem to speak with ease
Falling, Falling down
I see these words don't work so well
I say these words so well, See me saying "oh, well"
It's easy to save face in this world
There is recognition of the type of sins being committed by someone as Mould recognizes that he has engaged in the same type of sins. Yet, he doesn’t seem to be bothered by them. Or maybe he really is struggling with the sin and hasn’t come to grips with the true reality of it? It reminds me of the passage found in Romans 2:14-16 “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Those without God may be aware of certain sins, but that doesn’t mean they are at the point of conviction. Yet, it can be used as a great opportunity for the Christian to share the gospel with them (if they admit even this).

How can you qualify, Difference between a sin and a lie
I see my silver lining in the sky, But now i can't decide
If you told the truth or you lied, You seem to sin so well
This light's so bright, It seems to hurt my eyes
You seem to sin so well
If the crush of your emotions, Leave you lying in the dust
Then take it all right out on me, And leave me in the rain to rust
The lyrics begin to get a little more enigmatic and I may not be fully capturing the intent of these words (but I will try). I think there is an acknowledgement of the problem in trying to categorize sin. All sin is a sin no matter what type is committed. James 2:10 reminds me of this truth: “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”
What is the silver lining in the sky? That would have to be answered by Bob Mould. In relationship to sin, it would be repentance of all sins and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the grace of God at work which is the only silver lining to a life contaminated by sin. Unfortunately, this song doesn’t take you to the greatness of God that is the source of hope. However, for me Romans 6:23 is more than silver lining in the sky: “for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Recommendation:
If you want to be reminded of the reality of man’s conscience dealing with sin, here is a song that deals with this assessment. There is no good news to it and it leaves a bleak picture. Yet, that bleak picture is a reality for most of humanity. Maybe it is a song to reflect upon before you share with a lost soul!