If the idea that the image of God can be described as Powerful and Relational, we should see the image of God in songs, movies, relationships, personality tests, and even business. This video will look at hymns, secular songs, movies, and relationships. You will also see a simple tool that uses this principle to help you lead and relate more effectively.
Christian Songs
The image of God in songs most certainly should be found in Christian songs, hymns, and choruses. And, sure enough, it is. Consider the classic hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. My interpretation of the song is shown below with the bold phrases representing the Powerful (Separate), the italics representing Relational (Belonging).
Great is Thy faithfulness Oh God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassion they fail not, as Thou has been Thou forever will be.
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Summer and winter springtime and harvest, sun moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness, to Thy great faithfulness mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.
Is Powerful and Relational Displayed?
No doubt, the interpretation can be argued, but it is not whether the interpretation is correct; it is whether the image of God in songs is displayed in the Powerful and Relational elements. In that hymn, you can see both God’s steadfast and unchanging power and His tender mercy as He walks in close fellowship with his children.
In other Christian songs, you see just one element. When only one is displayed, you need to be careful to remember that both are needed. For example, it is often much easier to sing about God’s love for you than about His power and majesty. When you only sing constantly about just one element, you may be allowing a distortion of God’s image in your thoughts.
Old Hymns and New Music
Another place where both elements are shown is in the unwelcome complaints and grumbling that worship leaders endure. “You need more old hymns about fearing God (Power). Those songs we are singing are too personal and disrespectful, as though Jesus was our boyfriend (Relational).” Or conversely, “Those hymns are so dry and distant (Separate). I wish we would sing something about God being with me in my own personal trials (Belonging).”
Next time you have access to a hymnal, listen to Christian music, or sing in church, see if you can identify whether one or both elements are in a song.
Secular Songs
God’s image shows up in secular songs also, especially love songs. This does not mean that God is being spoken of, but the point is that His image is displayed everywhere.
Here is one example, “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls” using the same formatting stated above.
I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls with vassals and serfs at my side. And all who assembled within those walls, that I was the hope and the pride. I had riches too great to count, could boast of a high ancestral name,
But I also dreamt which pleased me most, that you loved me still, the same, that you loved me, you loved me still the same, that you loved me, you loved me still the same.
I dreamt that suitors sought my hand that knights upon bended knee with vows no maiden heart could withstand, they pledged their faith to me. And I dreamt that one of that noble host, came forth my hand to claim,
But I also dreamt which charmed me most, that you loved me still, the same, that you loved me, you loved me still the same, that you loved me, you loved me still the same
Powerful and Relational?
Royalty and riches are powerful, as are knights, pledges, and the claiming of hands. Being the people’s hope and pride, pleased, charmed, courted, and wooed are all more relational. Love, which this song mentions often, is definitely relational in this context, but in its highest form, love is both powerful and belonging. It is interesting to see the image of God in songs displayed as powerful and relational.
(As I was listening to many songs while doing this research, I heard this song and found it extremely appealing. This is one of the most beautiful songs I have listened to – not as stunning as the melody and words of Ave Maria. After enjoying the song for years, I found that it is also titled “The Gypsy Girl’s Dream” from the 1843 opera The Bohemian Girl by Michael William Balfe, lyrics by Alfred Bunn).
Many songs could be reviewed here because these two elements are so prevalent in secular music. Of course, most music is focused primarily on the Relational element.
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can't we all just get along, God's image reflected in songs, image of God in songs, my way or the highway, proportion not balance, results and relating, TV0023