Slow Fade – the deadly progression of ungodly counsel – Psalms 1

I was so blessed to be given tickets to the Casting Crowns concert last Sunday at the Saint Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL. I was also blessed by my 18 year old daughter changing her plans at the last minute to go with me. We had a really great time.

We enjoyed both opening acts, John Waller and Leeland. If you are not familiar with both of these groups, check them out – you must! Great worship songs and great concert experience.

I’ve been a big Casting Crowns fan since I heard the song “Voice of Truth”. I’ll never forget the feeling as the powerful lyrics to that song penetrated my heart and God really used it to speak to me. Since then, they have written several songs that have had a similar impact on me. I went to this concert with great worship expectations – and I was not disappointed. The whole place around us was singing (especially on “Who Am I”) so I was in good company.

At one point, the entire band came to the front, sat down on stools, and began praying for everyone in the audience – one by one they lifted up specific prayers as God led them. I was so grateful for that.

At one point, Mark Hall introduced the song “Slow Fade” with a powerful message that has stuck with me. God really spoke to me through what Mark said. First, look at the lyrics to this song:

Lyrics to “Slow Fade” by Casting Crowns:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

The Scripture reference Mark used to introduce this song is one I’ve read many times. But, as I’ve commented on so many times before in this blog, the Word of God is living and sometimes you read something you’ve read before and get an entirely new thought or message from what you’ve read before. Check out this familiar verse in Psalms 1:

1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Mark pointed out a progression of sin in this verse I’ve never noticed before, and it has to do with receiving counsel from others. Do you see it? First, one walks in the counsel of the wicked, then he stands in the way of sinners, then he sits in the seat of mockers. It’s a pattern of death and dying. Walking – then standing – then sitting.

And it all has to do with the counsel we receive.

I’ve seen it so many times, espeically in church leadership. For whatever reason, someone starts listening to unwise or ungodly counsel, and problems begin. A gradual but sure downward spiral follows with all kinds of decisions that don’t make sense. The decay of discernment, the demise of dignity, until finally there is no one left that can help. Those wanting to follow God begin to leave. Even the most loyal, though they may take longer, eventually seek opportunities to serve elsewhere.

It reminds me of a scene in the popular “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, where the aging king Theoden had been increasingly misled by his chief advisor Wormtongue, who was secretly employed by the evil wizard Saruman. The image here shows the eyes of the once great King now clouded by years of deceit. Everyone in Theoden’s once great kingdom seemed to know exactly what Wormtongue was doing, but because of the subtle, strategic persistance of the enemy, they were powerless to say or do anything that would put this obvious plot to an end. The King who once walked proudly among his people, as in this Scripture, is now sitting on his throne, being mocked by everyone.

Fortunately for King Theoden and for Middle Earth, Gandalf exposed Wormtongue for what he really is, and Theoden returned to his senses. But, that makes for good fiction. Unfortunately, as my experience has shown me, it’s not so easy in real life.

So – be careful little ears what you hear. Heed the warnings of this important passage of Scripture and avoid this “slow fade” - the deadly progression of ungodly counsel.

grace & peace,
e

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