To Live As Everyone

Samuel's spirit grieved so very deep, When he heard the people's great desire, They wanted God away and kings to keep, And broke the promise made to their Empire.

On a broad road Israel came to go, They placed Saul upon the throne to reign, But happiness they never came to know, And sin—a sin most terrible and plain.

"To live as everyone"—this is the cry Of people numbering countless throngs today. Why do they need God's law—oh tell me why? How vile it is for God's pure eyes' survey! Not Christ was chosen, but Barabbas came— The people spoke, and chose him all the same.

If we all wish to live as others do, Just drifting through our lives in empty ways, And following not God's will, but what is due To others' whims—through all our earthly days— Then life will end inglorious and low, No glory shall our earthly deeds bestow.

If we live just as all the others live, With all the dress, the customs, and the song, And with the world in one great pot we give Our lives—then where, pray tell, do we belong? Where then is salvation? Please explain— If we in worldly mixture all remain?

What did our merciful Christ save us from? Why did He die so innocent and pure? Then surely in our lives there's something wrong, Some sinful pull that we cannot endure. Let us remember well the parable told Of the prodigal son—so brave and bold.

He wanted just to live as all men do— The road lay open before him, all clear, But then his spirit came to grief so true, When at the swine's trough he did shed a tear.

So let us live as our great Teacher bids, Let us seek out a sinless, holy way. Great things the Lord will do, He never hides, If we don't merge with the world's dark display.