Clear the Stage

About a year ago, I heard a song that went straight through my heart.

In the summer of 2012, I went with a group of friends to RUF Summer Conference.  There, I heard a message about idolatry that I will absolutely never forget.  Though I've grown up learning about how idols are not always golden calves, and they can really be anything that we put before God in our lives, I never gave the concept much thought until then.  I was shocked.  I had been idolizing myself, others, relationships, music, etc.  I remember feeling like I had been punched in the stomach when I realized the depth of my sin.  And for the millionth time, I was overwhelmed by the amazing grace of my Savior.

A few months after the conference is when I heard this song for the first time while studying at a coffee shop and I nearly started crying.  The convicting, biblical message in the lyrics is overwhelming. 

Over the summer, I was blessed with the awesome time of recording a cover video of this song with my friend Andrew Bradford (Bradford Productions).  Since we both share a passion for God and for using the gifts He has given us to spread His name, we were extremely pumped to work on this project.  Andrew's fiancee, Kimmy, is one of my very dearest friends, so the three of us had a blast driving all over the place to different locations to film.  Even despite the sweltering heat, annoying gnats, shockingly long church bells, etc., I believe we all loved every minute of it.  And dang, he did an awesome job!

Clear the stage, and set the sound and lights ablaze

If that's the measure you must take to crush the idols

Jerk the pews, and all the decorations, too

Until the congregation's few that have revival

Tell your friends that this is where the party ends

Until you're broken for your sin, you can't be social

Seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store

And know that great is your reward, so just be hopeful

'Cause you can sing all you want to, 

Yes you can sing all you want to

You can sing all you want to, and still get it wrong

Worship is more than a song

Take a break from all the plans that you have made

And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper

Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak

And pray for real upon your knees until they blister

Shine the light on every corner of your life

Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open

Read the word and put to test the things you've heard

Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken

We must not worship something that's not even worth it

Clear the stage, make some space 

For the One who deserves it

Anything I put before my God is an idol

Anything I want with all my heart is an idol

Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol

Anything that I give all my love is an idol

{"Clear the Stage" - Ross King/Jimmy Needham}