I’ve heard some bizarre songs at funerals; have you? According to a European news agency, a British funeral company polled more than 30,000 funerals. The results showed that pop songs (as opposed to hymns and classical pieces) now account for more than half of the music selected for funerals.
Among the frequently played songs are AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” (how tacky!) and Queen’s “Another one Bites the Dust” (how crude)! However, the most popular song played at funerals in Britain is Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” It glorifies that self-willed, independent streak in all of us.
As much as it might flatter our ego to declare along with Sinatra, “I did it my way,” we would do well to hear the word of the Lord as spoken through His inspired servants. Jeremiah said, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah10:23). Perhaps the prophet was familiar with the wise sayings of King Solomon: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15
Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meekness is the very opposite of self will. The meek person is not a spineless weakling, but an individual who has willingly subjected his strength to God. Such a person echoes the prayer of the Savior: “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Instead of proclaiming, “I did it my way,” let us so live than when it is our time to quit the walks of men, our song of triumph might be, “I did it God’s way.”
–Joe Slater
