Sermon: The Eternal Waves of Life and the Test of Free Will
Introduction: The song you’ve written expresses the tension between worldly struggle and spiritual transcendence. It speaks of walking through thorny vines, facing deceit, and ultimately rising above the grave. These themes resonate deeply with the Christian journey, where we are called to navigate a broken world while keeping our eyes fixed on eternal truth. Through the lens of Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives, and relevant scripture, we will explore how this song encourages us to live purposefully and rise above the distractions of this life.
Caught Up in Thorny Vines and the Church of Lies:
The imagery of “being caught up in thorny vines” and bonding with the “Church of Lies” speaks to the reality of spiritual deception and the struggles we face in a fallen world. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns us, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” The world is full of misleading voices, and we must discern carefully where we place our trust.
Christian Libertarianism emphasizes personal responsibility in spiritual matters. Each person must seek truth, rather than blindly following any institution or figure that may lead them astray. We are called to exercise our free will in pursuing God’s truth and rejecting falsehoods, no matter how attractive or convenient they may seem.
I Will Follow No Man Into a Grave:
The declaration, “I will follow no man into a grave,” highlights the Christian belief in eternal life. Psalm 146:3-4 cautions us not to place our trust in human beings, for “when their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” Human leadership, while valuable, cannot offer salvation. Our hope and ultimate trust must be placed in God alone.
From a Christian Libertarian perspective, this aligns with the principle of individual autonomy under God. While we respect authority and leadership, we are responsible for our own spiritual path and cannot rely on others to carry us into eternity. Each person must walk their own journey of faith, trusting in God’s grace to lead them beyond the grave and into eternal life.
You Do Your Wrong, You Don’t Live Long:
This line reflects the inevitable consequences of living apart from God’s ways. Galatians 6:7 tells us, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Those who live in sin and wrongdoing may experience the consequences not only in the afterlife but also in their present lives. The brevity of life is a reminder to align our actions with God’s will.
Modern human perspectives often glorify self-reliance and ambition, pushing people to “work their fingers to the bone” in pursuit of worldly success. However, scripture reminds us that no amount of toil or effort can save us if our hearts are not aligned with God. Christian Libertarianism emphasizes that while we have the freedom to choose how we live, those choices have real consequences—both in this life and beyond.
You Do Your Best with No Regrets:
The line “You do your best with no regrets” reflects a life lived in alignment with one’s values and purpose. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.” We are not called to dwell on past failures but to live with purpose and integrity, striving to follow God’s will in everything we do.
In Christian Libertarian thought, living with no regrets means fully exercising our free will in pursuit of truth, love, and justice. We are given the freedom to make choices, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to ensure our actions reflect God’s love and commandments. By living intentionally and in alignment with God’s purpose, we can face the end of our lives without regret, knowing we have done our best with the time and resources we’ve been given.
It’s Not What You Live For, It’s What You Die For:
This profound line speaks to the heart of Christian theology. In Luke 9:24, Jesus says, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” What we are willing to die for—our faith, our love for God, and our commitment to His kingdom—is what truly defines our lives.
Modern society often pushes people to focus on what they can gain in this life—success, comfort, and recognition. But the Christian perspective shifts our focus to eternity. Christian Libertarianism emphasizes that our lives are more than the accumulation of wealth or status; they are about choosing to live for higher principles, even if it requires sacrifice. What we are willing to give our lives for speaks to our deepest values and faith.
Watching From My Perfect Home:
The concept of “watching from my perfect home” calls to mind the promise of heaven. John 14:2-3 assures us of this eternal home: “My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Heaven is the ultimate destination for believers, a place where we find rest after our journey on earth is complete.
This vision of heaven reflects the Christian hope that this world is not all there is. While we toil, suffer, and make difficult choices here on earth, we are ultimately striving for an eternal home with God. Christian Libertarianism emphasizes that the choices we make here, using the free will given to us, have eternal implications. The promise of rest in God’s perfect home motivates us to live with purpose and conviction, knowing that our true reward lies beyond this life.
Conclusion:
The song’s powerful message urges us to live with intention, integrity, and hope in the eternal life promised by God. In a world filled with lies, toil, and struggle, we are called to rise above, placing our trust not in men or worldly systems but in God alone.
Christian Libertarianism reinforces the importance of personal responsibility in making the choices that shape our lives and our destinies. We are free to live as we choose, but those choices have eternal significance. Let us remember that it’s not just what we live for, but what we are willing to die for, that defines our lives.
As we walk this path of faith, let us keep our eyes fixed on the eternal waves, knowing that our true home is with God, where rest, peace, and joy await. Amen.
I’ve traded sounds for other minds
I’ve walked real tall by the sacred kind But I’ve been caught up in thorny vines
My eyes were old, bonding at Church of Lies
So I will follow no man into a grave I will rise up along eternal waves
You do your wrong, you don’t live long Just work your fingers to the bone
As I walk in the sky towards my home You do your best with no regrets
You put your free will to the test While I rest watching from my perfect home
You come around where the wine is gone You’ll need me when your time is done
To flourish in a field of bones To walk right out when the legs are lost
I will follow no man into a grave I will rise up along eternal waves
You do your wrong, you don’t live long Just work your fingers to the bone
As I walk in the sky towards my home You do your best with no regrets
You put your free will to the test While I rest watching from my perfect home
Stay here with I walk around you Don’t you see it’s not what you live for
It’s how you live and what you die for So don’t live long, you don’t live long
You work your fingers to the bone While I rest watching from my perfect home
As Always, God Bless,
James Arthur Ferguson
FergusonPoetryProject LLC 
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