Worship Song Highlight: "For the Cause"

We’re going to start singing “For the Cause” at FBC Farmersville on Sunday, May 6th. It was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend and released on their latest full-length studio album, “Facing a Task Unfinished,” in 2016. This album features many songs about missions, including the title track. Yet whereas “Facing a Task Unfinished,” is convicting and rather soul-piercing, “For the Cause” is joyful and upbeat. I am very glad our church will know both!

The first thing that captures your attention about this song is the opening “world beat,” followed by a sweet lead line played on the sitar. That’s right! The sitar. It can be played on any number of instruments, though, if you don’t happen to have George Harrison in your worship band. Also, personally I find the song really fun to play! 

The theology of the song is crystal clear. The first two verses talk about the call of Christ to give our lives as an offering and to go joyfully sowing the seeds of the gospel. The chorus, which is spoken in the first person plural, is a statement of mission. Several scripture references automatically come to mind as you sing it:

“Christ we proclaim (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

The Name above every name (Philippians 2:9)

For all creation (Mark 16:15)

Ev’ry nation (Matthew 28:19)

God’s salvation

Through the Son!” (John 3:17)

 The third and fourth verse give praise to Jesus who endured the cross and conquered death to give life and liberty to those who believe. Then the final verse, which is my favorite, is scripture directly from Philippians 1:21 and Luke 9:23:

“Let it be my life’s refrain:

To live is Christ, to die is gain;

Deny myself, take up my cross

And follow the Son.”

I want our church to memorize this last verse, because it contains these two great verses from the Bible and connects them to our mission. 

You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHuLOdZdqs8

You can buy the track or resources here: https://www.gettymusic.com/for-the-cause/

*Post-script: The song was dedicated to Southeaster Baptist Theological Seminary and its president, Danny Akin.