Does OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars” capture a fallen world and the possibility of redemption?

Everything that kills me
makes me feel alive (OneRepublic)

I’m not an expert in musical interpretation, but OneRepublic’s hit song “Counting Stars” poetically describes our fallen world and  how sin’s attractiveness captures and destroys our lives, but does it also invoke the spirit of redemption?  Lyrics are open to interpretation and while mine may not be the original intent of the song, their Christian roots are evident in the song. The lyrics can be applied to the current conflict between an increasingly secular country and the faithful, and how important it is to stay close to God’s word in the midst of cultural changes.

I see this life
like a swinging vine
swing my heart
across the line
In my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find (OneRepublic)

With the delivery of the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage last Friday, talk has been centered on the compatibility of gay rights and religious freedom. Great emphasis was placed on who we choose to snuggle between the sheets with, but one topic usually reserved for worship centers and sermons found its way to online debates:

Sin.

And the conversation is long overdue.

The chaos in our country and around the world is blamed on the most convenient target, but the root cause is never addressed. Sin plagues everyone, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. It affects our lives and relationships, yet we can’t be bothered to discuss it.

Take me for example.

I struggled with low self-esteem and insecurity most of my life. In college, I began to drink with friends as I worked through a series of failed relationships. I was not an alcoholic, but a typical college student with too much time on my hands. I drank less than your garden-variety frat boy, but much more than a library regular.

The ‘selfie” phenomenon didn’t exist back then, but my life’s picture focused on me.  My pursuit of personal satisfaction dominated my thoughts. I never volunteered at a soup kitchen or even tried to change the world like other college kids. We had a few churches on campus, but our President has stood up for Christians more often than I went to church, so that should tell you something about my commitment to Christ. Turning water into wine meant nothing to me. Two good friends worked as bartenders, so a five cent pitcher of draft beer was my holy beverage of choice. The only Gospel I connected with was “Do what makes you happy.”

There was no God. There was a superficial, vague form of happiness, the kind of happiness that comes with college parties and no responsibities, but no fulfillment. I looked for love in many places, and this gaping hole in my soul yawned wider as I sought to fill it with relationships.

Everything that drowns me
makes me wanna fly (OneRepublic)

During my quest for Mr. Right, I sinned, and sinned horribly. I could be inducted into the Sin Hall of Shame. If you knew, you would call me names. I’m sure of it. My heart longed to be loved deeply, but during those times I was in my darkest moments, and I was too blinded to care. I was alive with desire and drunk on wickedness. Good friends never called me out, and no one rescued me. I marched on, even though I was dead inside.

I feel something so right
by doing the wrong thing (OneRepublic)

When I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, my first thought—even before my own husband and kids—was “this is punishment for my past.”

About a month later, I sat alone in my room. I was in the middle of cancer treatment. I had no hair, no breasts, and no spiritual direction. I opened my Bible and one verse captured my attention. The last word in that verse delivered me to the truth.

Salvation.

And just like that, I knew He was with me, and I would be rescued from sin.

Baby I’ve been, I’ve been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars (OneRepublic)

To this day, I wish a Christian would have come to me when sin ruled my life. My choices have ripped me apart and laid a heavy burden on my soul. When I accepted Christ and his forgiveness, peace came over me, and I was able to forgive myself.

Take that money,
watch it burn,
sink it in the river,
the lessons I’ve learned (OneRepublic)

Sin has been given a stamp of approval by society, and Christians are too afraid to speak out of fear of offending someone.

I dont think the world is sold,
I’m just doing what we’re told (OneRepublic)

Even though rainbows and #LoveWins rule the day, true joy and peace will not be found in marriage alone. [bctt tweet=”Marriage is a blessing, but it will never reach its full potential if Christ is missing.”]

The one relationship I needed is the one I ignored my entire life. Sex and alcohol never nourished or replenished me. My desire for authentic love and acceptance was not met by my sexual partner but by my Creator. As we began a new relationship, His grace and loved filled me to a point where sin was no longer desirable. Through my connection to Him, my other relationships flourished. Over time, my faith grew stronger, my actions became bolder, and my love deeper. Now, I question Him less, and I trust in Him more.

Trust in Him, and your life will change forever too.

Listen to the song here

Photo credit: www.sophiaglobe.com