Charles Wesley - The Holy Unconcern Lyrics
Lyrics
1 THE holy unconcern
That I, even I may learn,
Show me, Lord, the dazzling prize,
Thou thyself my teacher be;
Then I shall my life despise,
Only wish to live for thee.
2 When I my Saviour love,
Nor life nor death can move
Partner of thy weal or woe,
For that blissful sight I sigh,
Crucified to all below,
Only wish for thee to die.
3 Thy gospel-minister,
I see my business here,
Witness of thy saving will,
Of thy free unbounded grace,
First mine office to fulfil,
Then to win and close my race.
4 I ask not how or when,
But be my Saviour then;
Grant in death my sole desire,
Bid me lay this body down,
Joyful in thine arms expire,
Share thine everlasting crown.
Video
Hymns of Praise: The Story of Hymn Writer Charles Wesley (2010) | Full Movie | Rev. John P Jackman
Meaning & Inspiration
Charles Wesley’s "The Holy Unconcern" is a profound exploration of a Christian’s ultimate aspiration: a complete detachment from worldly concerns in favor of an unshakeable devotion to God. This hymn, born from the deep spiritual convictions of one of Methodism’s most prolific songwriters, moves beyond mere religious sentiment to articulate a transformative mindset. The genesis of such a sentiment can be traced to a life dedicated to radical discipleship, a commitment exemplified in the very fabric of the Methodist movement that Wesley co-founded. The title itself, "The Holy Unconcern," immediately sets a distinctive tone, suggesting a positive, divinely inspired indifference to earthly matters. This isn't apathy, but rather a deliberate reorientation of one's affections and priorities, aligning them with the eternal.
The core message of the hymn is a yearning for a spiritual clarity that transcends the allure and anxieties of life. Wesley implores God, "Show me, Lord, the dazzling prize," indicating a desire to apprehend the glorious reality of God's presence and purpose with such vividness that all else pales in comparison. This vision is so powerful that it leads to a paradoxical stance: "Then I shall my life despise, Only wish to live for thee." This isn't a morbid self-hatred, but rather a recognition of the comparative insignificance of temporal existence when measured against the infinite. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:39, where he states that those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for his sake will find it. The hymn’s second stanza deepens this commitment, asserting that true love for the Savior renders one impervious to the vicissitudes of life and death: "When I my Saviour love, Nor life nor death can move." This steadfastness is rooted in a desire to be a "Partner of thy weal or woe," reflecting the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The aspiration to be "Crucified to all below, Only wish for thee to die" is a powerful echo of Paul’s declaration in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This is not about a desire for physical death, but a death to self and sin, a complete surrender of one's will to God.
The third stanza shifts to the practical outworking of this holy unconcern, framing it as a calling to ministry. The singer sees their "business here" as being a "Witness of thy saving will, Of thy free unbounded grace." This underscores the understanding that a life transformed by divine love naturally overflows into service. The purpose of this service is twofold: to first fulfill one’s appointed duty and then to ultimately "win and close my race." This speaks to a life lived with an unwavering focus on evangelism and the completion of God's work in the world. The final stanza reiterates the complete trust in God's timing and provision, particularly in the moment of death. The plea, "Grant in death my sole desire, Bid me lay this body down, Joyful in thine arms expire, Share thine everlasting crown," is a final expression of absolute reliance on God’s grace. This echoes the hope of believers as described in Philippians 1:21, where Paul expresses that to live is Christ, and to die is gain. The hymn, therefore, serves as a compelling reminder that the ultimate freedom and joy are found not in the accumulation of worldly possessions or experiences, but in a complete and utter surrender to the Creator of all things, a concept deeply rooted in the scriptural call to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).