The Story Behind the Song
Kristyn shares on their website, https://store.gettymusic.com/us/song/lift-high-the-name-of-jesus/, the inspiration behind the writing of the hymn. In that backstory, she asks a compelling question: “Can people see the Lordship of Christ in my heart?” That’s a sobering thought. Do the lives we live attract people to Jesus, or do we repel unbelievers? Do the words we say, the things we post, and the actions we take draw people in to Jesus, or do they push them away? Does a watching world see anything different in us—those who claim the name of Christ—than what they see in themselves?
Early in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of how Christians are to act as a source of enlightenment for the world. He begins by first stating who is to be a light: “You [i.e., Jesus’ followers] are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a). He then explains how to be a useful light—by being in a position to be seen and by broadcasting illumination: “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others…” (Matthew 5:14b-16a).
Jesus then completes the teaching by telling why we are to be lights: “…so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). We put good works on exhibit (or as Kristyn says, we display the Lordship of Christ in our hearts), not so that people will think highly of us or give us commendation, but so that they would to turn their hearts’ affection and minds’ attention to God, giving him praise.
In the 1738 edition of “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” Benjamin Franklin printed a memorable little saying: “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” Jesus calls his followers to do things worth far more than mere writing—he calls us to do things that impact eternity. And that’s why we “Lift High the Name of Jesus” in our words, and even more so, in our lives.
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Anastasia Music 