I feel so refreshed when a singer is honest, and remains honest over a sustained period of time. Maybe 'refreshed' is not so much my feeling as it is 'suprise'. I am surprised by a voice I've heard for over ten years on various records, and I'm surprised most in knowing that voice has not changed, but has remained remarkably consistent in conveying the simple and humble message of the love of Christ.

I know you already guessed it, but I'm referring to Chris Rice, who in his pursuit to become evermore irrelevant on the Christian music charts, has actually made some of his best music in recent years. I understand that the industry of Christian music needs exciting product to keep the revenues high. I don't blame them for this reality, and I have no problem with them producing music they determine can market well to mass audiences. Within the industry of music entertainment, this is necessary. Fortunately for believers, our music doesn't require the approval of ever-shifting popular culture, and the yoke is thus quite easy in comparison.

When I listen, for example, to Chris Rice's 'Peace Like a River: The Hymns Project', I am reminded that the music of the church has sustained itself for thousands of years not on the backbone of mass-industry, but in the hearts and mouths of Christ-followers who, in humility, confessed His love with their songs. Chris seems to capture this truth, and his renditions humble me in knowing I am a participant in the same songs my ancestors sang through times of joy and times of great oppression. Chris is singing, and the saints are at my side, and we are singing with him.

I hope I never underestimate the power of the church's liturgy - that is, the practices of the church that have withstood all cultural pressures, be they of popular culture or persecution. I think I enjoy Chris's voice because the honesty and brokenness I sense makes me believe I am listening to the voice of the Christian church. He sings as one who knows both the cost and joy of a life confessed fully to the purgative power of Christ. In short, I hear humility in his voice, and it's humility that I want. I want to be nothing before Christ. I don't want to sound exciting or marketable; I don't even want to sound good. I just want to be honest, and in humility offer my very small gift of praise to Christ, whose love will forever frustrate my flesh and nurture my soul.

I don't write this to lift anyone up where they should not go. My cap tips, however, to Chris Rice for faithfully pursuing the message of Christ, and, in passing that message on to us, reminding us that the old, boring, unmarketable hymns carry the weight of the fathers and the legacy of faith we carry today. This approach does not sell a lot of records, and many people will end up forgetting you exist. But, the message of the cross has been passed down on such backs, and I carry a debt of gratitude to Chris for using his immense talent to remind us that Christ is the picture of humility, and He remembers our faithfulness long after we are forgotten. I can rest in that.