“Why do we gather when we should be Scattered?” (Song Story #3)

I was raised in the church. Growing up as a child (heck, even into my adult years), I always thought that being a Christian meant 1) going to church and 2) being nice to people. No one had ever shared with me what a Gospel of Grace was. I had heard the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) but never really thought about what it said. I understood what it meant to be nice to people, but I didn’t really engage in true service of my neighbor, nor a true relationship with the risen Christ. And “make disciples”? Surely this was someone else’s responsibility! I mean… there has to be “a guy” for that, right?

At the end of the day, I can honestly say that much of my community at that time lived in a similar space. We would go to work/school and then reconvene each and every Sunday. We would sing a few songs and exchange a few pleasantries. Then it was back to the ol’ grindstone until seven days later, when the pattern repeated.

But we aren’t called to simply go to church. We are called to make disciples of all the nations. We are called to serve each other and truly love our neighbors as ourselves, being concerned over every facet of their well-being as we are for our own. Now don’t get me wrong, the church service is beautiful and one of my favorite things in life. And it is incredibly necessary for realignment of hearts, learning, fellowship, celebrating, offering of our gifts and time through multiple expressions of worship… but the gathering isn’t the end of it. After all, Light shines brightest in the darkest places.

I’d like to say that I’m the perfect embodiment of what we as Christians are called to be. But far from it. I strive daily, but I definitely struggle. “Scattered” is the title track of our upcoming album and is about this very thing. It is about a desire to pursue God’s will for my life, even knowing how difficult it can be. It’s a prayer that God would take me out of my comfort zone and help me lay down my own passions and pursuits for Something greater. It’s an admission that I so easily find myself with a platform only to tell my own story and enjoy my time in the spotlight, rather than redirecting eyes to Christ. I want all that I do to bring glory to God. And I want to go where He would have me to serve and be who I’m called to be – not just on Sundays, but each and every day. It’s humbling and a pure blessing that God would use each and every one of us for His kingdom. I pray that I never ever miss an opportunity.

- Matt

Lyrics:

I want to be a light
A spark of day within the night
Not to “come and see”, but “go and be”
I want to hear Your call
Not stay the same, but give my all
to Something more than me
Why do we gather
when we should be scattered?
Take me, shape me
Bend and break me
No matter what You need
Here I am, send me

It’s not what I can do
Less of me and more of You
Complacency is easy, honestly
Help me feel out of place
To walk in the rhythms of Your grace
Be a light unto my city
Why do we gather
when we should be scattered?

Take me, shape me
Bend and break me
No matter what You need
Here I am, send me
Please use me
I choose to be Yours
However more You ask of me

I’ll tell Your story
and not my own
Let me bring glory
to You and You alone

Take me, shape me
Bend and break me
No matter what You need
Here I am, send me
Please use me
I choose to be Yours
However more You ask of me
Here I am, send me

Why do we gather
when we should be scattered?