I Was Here

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 at 1:01 am by Jonathan McKee

I Was Here 2012-09-04T12:46:49-06:00 Jonathan McKee

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Beyonce has a new music video that’s creating a little bit of buzz in the Tweet and blogosphere. The video begins with white words fading onto a black screen:

August 19, 2012
World Humanitarian Day

One day, one message, one goal. To inspire people all over the world to do something good, no matter how big or small, for someone else.

Then Beyonce walks onto a stage and begins to sing*, “I Was Here,”* a song about making a difference and leaving your mark.

(click here if you don’t see the embedded video)

Her voice and the visuals are indeed inspiring. Young people today want to make a difference and are responding even more than generations prior. Beyonce’s message is resonating with this generation.

I have just one question: Is that really the mark we want to leave?

“I was here.”

I’m not disrespecting Beyonce, World Humanitarian Day, or any of these efforts. I’m thrilled to see anyone who attempts to inspire others to do good. But I would challenge followers of Christ to ask themselves, “Is my goal to leave my signature, my mark, my legacy… or to serve in His name?” As much as it would be nice for people to remember Jonathan McKee was a nice guy who gave a lot of money to the poor… wouldn’t it be better if when they looked at me, they saw Him?

“He was here.”

In II Corintians 4:5 Paul writes, “We don’t preach ourselves, we preach Christ the Lord.” He goes on to write, “All we can say about ourselves is what Christ did for us.”

Are we teaching our children to reflect Christ… or leave their mark?

Leadership

music

youth culture

Previous Post

September 4, 2012

Jailhouse Religion

Next Post

September 6, 2012 In Defense of America

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book Giveaway Book Review Bullying Career Christmas Church devotion Discipleship Donald Miller Drugs & Alcohol Easter eternity evangelism Family food giving thanks God humor James H. Pence Jonathan McKee Leadership love Marcus Brotherton marriage masculinity men's ministry men's studies movies music Parenting Pastoring patriotism persecution pilgrim politics pop culture Prayer Prison Ministry prosperity religion Saul secularism sex Social Media Television Thanksgiving Uncategorized women Worship youth culture

Select a Month December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I was lifted up on a pole that healed those who looked at me. What am I?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The Golden Calf The bronze serpent The Stone Tablets A healing statue