Chris August - A Little More Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
It was just last Sunday
I was sitting in the pew
The preacher told some stories
Yeah he spoke about the truth
Something resonated
I heard a million times before
Somehow I needed to hear it once more, he said
Chorus:
I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
I could be a little more humble
If we're speaking honestly
The more I see this heart inside of me
The more that I believe
I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
I try to love my neighbor
And love my enemy
I went down to the homeless shelter and I
Gave them food to eat
It made me feel so good inside
But it did not bring me peace
Turns out there's just one thing that I need
Chorus:
I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
I could be a little more humble
If we're speaking honestly
The more I see this heart inside of me
The more that I believe
I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
We've got rules and regulations
Got a stance on everything
It gets so complicated
When all we really need
Is just a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
I could be a little more humble
If we're speaking honestly
The more I see this heart inside of me
The more that I believe
That I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
Chorus:
I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
I could be a little more humble
If we're speaking honestly
The more I see this heart inside of me
The more that I believe
I could use a little more Jesus
And a little bit less of me
I could use a little more Jesus 3x
And a little bit less of me
I could use a little more Jesus 3x
And a little bit less of me
A little bit less of me
Video
A Little More Jesus
Meaning & Inspiration
Chris August’s “A Little More Jesus,” featured on his 2012 album *The Upside of Down*, is a disarmingly simple yet profound declaration of spiritual longing. The song’s narrative begins with a moment of quiet reflection in a church pew, where a familiar message suddenly strikes with renewed urgency. This isn't a song about grand theological pronouncements, but rather about the deeply personal, everyday struggle to live a life that reflects Christ. The core message is a humble admission of inadequacy and a sincere desire for spiritual transformation. August articulates a common human experience: the disconnect between our good intentions and our ultimate need for divine guidance. He touches on the impulse to perform good deeds, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, noting that while such actions are commendable, they don’t necessarily bring the deep-seated peace that comes from true spiritual alignment. This resonates with the biblical teaching that while works are important, they are not the source of salvation or lasting peace. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The desire expressed in the chorus, "I could use a little more Jesus / And a little bit less of me," is a powerful echo of Jesus’ own words in Matthew 16:24, where He said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This self-denial is not about self-abasement but about reorienting one’s entire focus and will towards God. The song further explores the human tendency towards complexity and self-righteousness, acknowledging that our "rules and regulations" and strong opinions can become barriers to genuine connection. This directly parallels the Pharisees’ approach in Jesus’ time, who were more concerned with outward observance of the law than with the inner transformation that truly honors God. Jesus often challenged this in the Gospels, as seen in Matthew 23:23 where He declared, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. You ought to have done these things, without neglecting the others." August’s plea for humility, stating "I could be a little more humble, if we're speaking honestly," is a recognition of our fallen nature and the constant need for God’s grace to humble us. This is beautifully captured in 1 Peter 5:6: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the right time he may exalt you." The repeated refrain powerfully underscores the central theme: that true fulfillment and peace are found not in self-sufficiency, but in surrendering our will and ego to the divine. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its authentic vulnerability and its direct appeal to the universal yearning for a deeper, more Christ-centered existence.