I THEN SHALL LIVE

          Francis Schaeffer wrote a book in 1776 that posed the question "How Should We Then Live?"  It raised questions that had been considered and debated by many.
          One of those challenged by this book was Gloria Gaither.  Over the years the question presented itself to her as a serious Christian, as a young parent, as an American, and as a citizen of the world community.  How would Jesus ask us to live given the culture and circumstances – both personal and global – in which we were living out our lives?
          Having always loved the music "Finlandia" written by Jean Sibelius, she sat down one day in the 80's to listen to what she felt it was saying to her.  This is sometimes a difficult task when a piece of music has been the setting for other familiar texts, but as she listened it seemed the music was saying, "I then shall live as one who's been forgiven…"
          If she wrote that line, what would follow?  How does one live forgiven?  Certainly, gratitude would be the first response.  But what then?  What would be the "living out" part of being treated with grace?
          As the music played, she wrote quickly what she felt the Spirit was dictating to her soul.  When the words were on the page, she read them and had to admit that these were words easier to write than to faithfully live out in all areas of her life on a daily basis.  Again, Francis Schaeffer's questions had intersected with her life and she was held accountable to answer, not just with words, but with her days.
          The song found its way into choral arrangements and hymnals,  If we could all begin to believe that each of us is "where the buck stops" if the world is ever to be changed by the beautiful message of redemption – not just in what we say, but in who we truly are –something amazing could happen.
           According to Gloria, The problems of the world are huge: hunger, war, crime, betrayal, devastation.  The issues each of us deal with as individuals are huge:  inadequacies, past failures, wasted opportunities, physical limitations, financial reversals, broken relationships.  If we looked at the problems of the world and our own personal challenges as a whole, we would be paralyzed by the immensity of it all.  How could we possibly change anything? 
          But we can take on this day.  We can affect the lives around us where we are.  We can choose our attitudes toward those with which we interact.  We can forgive today's offenses, live gratefully today, rejoice in the progress we've made so far.  We can choose to live outward toward those who are in need in our neighborhood, extended family, pockets of poverty in our area.  And we can do what we do today as "unto the Lord" with no "keeping track" or ulterior motives.
          In time things will change – in ourselves and in our world.

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.

I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.

I know my name is clear before my Father; 

I am His child and I am not afraid.

So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;

The law of love I gladly will obey.

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.

I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.

I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;

I'll dare to see another's point of view.

And when relationships demand commitment,

Then I'll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;

Your power and glory, let them shine through me.

Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,

And may Your living Kingdom come in me.

The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,

And may You feed a hungry world through me.

Amen, Amen, Amen

 

Listen to it here.    SHALL LIVE