Though certainly not the oldest song on the first “Steady On” CD, “Made To Honor You” was the first one written specifically for the band. At the time, I think we envisioned a more acoustic focus to the sound with few electric guitars and a lot of percussion. While my writing style has certainly morphed a little more toward rock songs lately (and actually, and electric guitar did make the final mix of this song), I enjoy the aggressive-but-light sound of at the core of “Made To Honor You”. When Lance mixed the drums for this I remember him calling it our “tribal” song because of the thumping djembe.
As to the lyrics, more than any song I’ve ever written “Made To Honor You” captures my perspective on worship: that worship is a response. When we enter into worship of God, whether it is corporate or individual, music or preaching (or other), what we are doing is responding to God for who he is in our lives and what he’s done in and for us.
Those of you who know my Calvinistic leanings might detect there is a dual meaning to the statement “Made To Honor You”. That is, we were “made” in the sense of being CREATED to worship (see the Westminster Shorter Catechism statement that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever), but also that we were “made” in the sense of being compelled. Because God brought me from death to life, how can I do anything but responded with thanksgiving and praise? Worship is part of my new identity in Christ and it is evidence of a regenerate heart.
As I wrote in my blog entry for the song “Strange Fire”, we need to be careful about our motives. Worship that is about meeting our desires and needs is not worship, but worship that is a genuine heartfelt response to God is true and good. Some go as far as to say that all worship songs must be about God and not mention anything of us, but I believe looking at ourselves and the mighty work God has done is a key component to bringing him glory. God is not alone in the universe, and the works he has done in our lives are a part of the glorious song that exalts him.
Finally, true worship is, I think, not a matter of what we say or sing, but a totality of who we are. We worship with our hands and service. We worship when we give and when we show compassion. Corporate worship may be a scheduled time on Sunday mornings, but worship is a lifestyle that should encompasses every part of those who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
I hope this song is an encouragement to you and represents the cry of your heart. We worship because it is what we have been created to do AND because the mighty work of God in us compels us. Can I get an “Amen”?
As to the lyrics, more than any song I’ve ever written “Made To Honor You” captures my perspective on worship: that worship is a response. When we enter into worship of God, whether it is corporate or individual, music or preaching (or other), what we are doing is responding to God for who he is in our lives and what he’s done in and for us.
Those of you who know my Calvinistic leanings might detect there is a dual meaning to the statement “Made To Honor You”. That is, we were “made” in the sense of being CREATED to worship (see the Westminster Shorter Catechism statement that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever), but also that we were “made” in the sense of being compelled. Because God brought me from death to life, how can I do anything but responded with thanksgiving and praise? Worship is part of my new identity in Christ and it is evidence of a regenerate heart.
As I wrote in my blog entry for the song “Strange Fire”, we need to be careful about our motives. Worship that is about meeting our desires and needs is not worship, but worship that is a genuine heartfelt response to God is true and good. Some go as far as to say that all worship songs must be about God and not mention anything of us, but I believe looking at ourselves and the mighty work God has done is a key component to bringing him glory. God is not alone in the universe, and the works he has done in our lives are a part of the glorious song that exalts him.
Finally, true worship is, I think, not a matter of what we say or sing, but a totality of who we are. We worship with our hands and service. We worship when we give and when we show compassion. Corporate worship may be a scheduled time on Sunday mornings, but worship is a lifestyle that should encompasses every part of those who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
I hope this song is an encouragement to you and represents the cry of your heart. We worship because it is what we have been created to do AND because the mighty work of God in us compels us. Can I get an “Amen”?
Let the inhibitions of my spirit fall
That every move I make may honor You
Open up my soul and take everything inside
That You may have the glory You are due
Arrest the sin that is within me
Not overlooked but overcome forevermore
For You have made my spirit worth enough to sing Your praise
So I can do that thing I was made for
I will give you all I have and walk within Your steps
So take this praise from me and let it honor You
I will praise Your majesty with everything in my life
Thanking Your for who You are and who I am
Knowing I've been made to honor You
There's not a thing that I could ever offer
Worth enough for one so great as You
You have made the heavens and the stars up in the sky
I cannot fathom all the things You do
You have reached inside of my soul
An unwelcome heart that needed to be free
You took me in Your arms and You made me clean again
You touched the place that I was most in need
I will give you all I have and walk within Your steps
So take this praise from me and let it honor You
I will praise Your majesty with everything in my life
Thanking Your for who You are and who I am
Knowing I've been made to honor You
My lips are not alone in their praise
My hands and my whole heart are yours to use
I'm a servant to you Lord and give You everything I am
So every moment I may worship You
I will give you all I have and walk within Your steps
So take this praise from me and let it honor You
I will praise Your majesty with everything in my life
Thanking Your for who You are and who I am
Knowing I've been made to honor You