Most people probably don’t know from my time on Christian radio, but, I have struggled with a monster ever since my teenage years. The monster I struggle with gets fed almost daily and it always has to be a conscious effort to keep it under control. What’s my “monster?” Three letter word…..”EGO.”
God has always blessed me with a fair amount of popularity. I was very involved in lots of activities in High School and college. God blessed me with several talents. And when radio came along in 1986…….Wow! My monster was almost out of control. Even as a successful youth pastor I found myself getting caught up in building “Ted World.” I always wanted to have the biggest, most involved student ministry. How foolish…..my main focus should have been building “Jesus World.” Casting Crowns new song “Only Jesus” means a lot to me. It’s as if Mark Hall wrote it
with me in mind.
(“Ted World” thinking) Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light when it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember
(“Jesus World” thinking) All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done
But all that really matters
Did I live the truth to the ones I love
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever
Last Thursday night we gathered at the Convention Center for the Best of the Best Banquet. We were there to accept the “Best Radio Station (for the 7 th year in a row), and God allowed me to win “Best Radio Personality” again. When my name was announced and I walked toward the stage, The “Ted World Monster” tried to gain control…..but instead…..want to know what God brought to my mind?
(Chorus) And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
I hope you can take the “Jesus World” thinking into your every day!