I'd Rather Have Jesus

This morning in church we sang the hymn, I'd Rather Have Jesus. The words of this song are rather emphatic, and the melody is quiet and gentle. It's easy to get lost in the beauty of the melody without giving the weight of the words their proper due. It's always worthwhile to ask yourself, "Am I living this way?" when engaging in song during the worship service. That question struck me this morning as I sang the words. (The two lines that caused me pause were I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today and I'd rather have Jesus and let him lead). Here's the words to I'd Rather Have Jesus (I've included the chorus after the first two verses for full impact of the meaning):

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or god;
Id rather be His than have riches untold;
Id' rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name

Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs;
I'd rather have Jesus and let him lead