“Jesus Calls Us” - Cecil Alexander

1818–95

A minister’s wife from Ireland, Cecil Alexander was a prolific poet and hymn writer, specializing in songs for children. “Once in Royal David’s City,” “There Is a Green Hill Far Away,” and “All Things Bright and Beautiful” were among the songs she penned to teach parts of the Apostles’ Creed. But some of her work was directed more toward adults, like “Jesus Calls Us,” written to accompany her husband’s sermon on the calling of the disciple Andrew.

Jesus calls us from the worship

Of the vain world’s golden store,

From each idol that would keep us,

Saying, “Christian, love Me more.”

Cecil not only wrote those words, but she also lived them out, showing her love for Christ by caring for the poor and sick—even donating much of the money she earned from her writing. As one writer said about her, “Day after day she rode over the wet moorlands in all weathers, carrying food, warm clothing, medical supplies to the impoverished and sick.” In this way, she showed she loved Jesus more than whatever gold the world stored up. She understood the biblical teaching that money can become an idol, and that we break free of it by giving it away.

But this song isn’t just about money. It’s about hearing the call of Christ amid the chaos of our daily lives. It’s about following him rather than the passing fancies of our culture. It’s often used as a missionary hymn, inviting people to dedicate their lives to the Lord’s work, but it’s even larger than that. We all are called to follow Jesus wherever we are, at work or at play, in our neighborhoods and homes. We reject the idols of our culture and put Christ first.

Do you have anything in your life that you’re holding on to, something of the “world’s golden store” that you’re worshiping, that’s keeping you from showing Jesus that you love him? Ask God to help you loosen your grip on it. Ask him to show you how rich your life can become if you let go of your idols and follow him.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

John 21:15