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Our friend, Jim McGill, says that Episcopalians like the Bible because it has so much of the Prayer Book in it.  Methodists might say that about the Hymnal.  Or more properly, much of what we think about the Bible or the faith in general we learned by singing hymns.  Hymns have always been a great way to teach the faith.  It can also be said that in many cases hymns “work” because they reflect the faith we already have.  Hymns are our “soul music.”

Tex Sample says that for most ordinary, hard-working Americans, our other “soul music” is country.  He’s right.  It both speaks to us and for us, and some of those clever titles just stay with you, right?

So this week I’ve been listening to Lyle Lovett and the song, "God Will," that is both informing me and reflecting me.  Lyle says:

"Who keeps on trusting you when you’ve been cheating, and spending your nights on the town?
Who keeps on saying that he still wants you, when you’re thru running around?
Who keeps on loving you when you’ve been lying, sayin’ things that ain’t what they seem?
God does, but I don’t; God will but I won’t.
And that’s the difference between God and me."

Now, I don’t know for sure what Lyle wants to say.  Is he saying he’s tired of doing all the work and all the forgiving, and he doesn’t want to be used anymore?  I understand that.  Is he wondering how long he should keep on forgiving?  Peter and I have asked that question, have you?  Is he affirming the grace of God?  I understand that, too.  Is he saying there’s a huge gulf between what God can do and what he can do, what he feels called to do and what he actually CAN do?  I sure understand that, too!

Struggling with forgiveness for yourself?  Who of us doesn’t?  That may be the best part of the lyric.  To paraphrase Lyle, I believe it to be true that “God does, even when I don’t.  And God will, even when I won’t.  I’m glad there’s that difference between God and me.”

Peace to you,
David