Nightlights

A poem by Jimmy Needham

Be Thou exalted over my reputation

‘Cause applause is a poor form of soul medication

And I’ve tried it for years but my symptoms remain

Still fretting the day that they’ll misplace my name

Still selling my soul for American fame

Treating the promotion of Jesus like a well oiled machine

Advancing His kingdom just to snag some acclaim

Now, I’m both comforted and haunted that it isn’t just me though

I see a nation of people needing to feed their own egos

Parading status like steeples

Do we not know it’s evil to love ourselves more than both God and His people?

But see, here’s where you turn this poem on it’s head

‘Cause the greatest among us came as servant instead

And You humbled Yourself to the point of Your death

Apparently love for the Father’s glory runs red

So friends, will we point to the Son till our own flames grow dim?

Will our bright lights become merely nightlights near Him?

Words echo once, let them echo again

Be Thou exalted over my reputation

Jimmy Needham is an American christian music artist. We recently purchased his latest release Nightlights. It's an excellent cd. It has great musical variety, he has an amazing voice, and solid theology in his songs. He sings about life and its struggles. He is real about his experiences with God. This poem concludes the c.d. and summarizes the whole theme of the album. The theme is applicable to all of us, not just christian artists. A true prayer for any of us who serve others, who minister to others.

Be Thou exalted over my reputation.