Chris Falson - Take My Life (Holiness) Lyrics
Lyrics
Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness is what You
want from me
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for
Faithfulness is what I need
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what
You want from me
Take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord
Righteousness, righteousness is what I long for
Righteousness is what I need
Righteousness, Righteousness is what
You want from me
Video
Take my life/ Holiness - Scott Underwood
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 10, 2009, Chris Falson's "Take My Life (Holiness)" emerged as a powerful and enduring worship anthem, distinguishing itself through a profound lyrical honesty that transcends temporal trends in spiritual music. Far from a mere composition, it functions as a deep, personal prayer, articulating a core desire for alignment with the divine character, inviting every soul to examine their own spiritual posture before God. The song’s narrative unfolds as a petition for transformation, beginning with a singular, fervent longing for holiness, a quality described as both deeply desired and absolutely necessary.
The opening verses declare, "Holiness, holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness, holiness is what You want from me." This immediate confession goes to the very heart of biblical teaching. The longing for holiness is not a casual wish but a spiritual hunger, resonating with the divine command found in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" It acknowledges that true spiritual vitality is inseparable from a pursuit of God's purity, serving as a prerequisite for genuine communion, as Hebrews 12:14 states, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit isn't self-initiated but a response to what God Himself desires and enables within us.
Following this, the song transitions to a plea for faithfulness, affirming, "Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for; Faithfulness is what I need; Faithfulness, faithfulness is what You want from me." This mirrors God’s own unchanging nature, as celebrated in Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." In a world often marked by inconsistency, the worshipper yearns to reflect divine steadfastness, recognizing that faithfulness is not merely a virtue but an essential aspect of discipleship, as underscored in 1 Corinthians 4:2: "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." It's a surrender to living a life marked by loyalty and dependability towards God.
The song reaches its theological and spiritual zenith in the bridge, which acts as the ultimate act of surrender: "Take my heart and form it; Take my mind and transform it; Take my will and conform it to Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord." Each phrase is a specific, radical offering. To pray, "Take my heart and form it," is to invite divine sculpting, echoing Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." It’s an admission that the core of our being needs re-creation, understanding that "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23). This leads to the transformation of the intellect: "Take my mind and transform it." This profound petition echoes the call found in Romans 12:2, urging us to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." It's a prayer for God to reshape our thoughts, perceptions, and understanding, aligning them with His truth. Finally, "Take my will and conform it to Yours" is the apex of submission, a direct echo of Christ's prayer in Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). It signifies a complete yielding of personal autonomy, choosing God's perfect plan over our own limited desires.
The song then circles back, reiterating the longing for "Righteousness, righteousness is what I long for; Righteousness is what I need; Righteousness, Righteousness is what You want from me." This isn't a striving for self-justification, but a deep desire for the imputed righteousness found in Christ and the practical righteousness that flows from a life surrendered to Him. It fulfills the beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). It acknowledges that through Christ, we become "the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21), and from that foundational truth, we are called to live righteously. Chris Falson's "Take My Life (Holiness)" is, ultimately, a masterclass in spiritual introspection and devotion. It meticulously outlines the believer's journey of sanctification—an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ—through a prayer of active, conscious surrender. It's an inspirational call to embrace the transformative power of God, encouraging every individual to fully yield their heart, mind, and will, seeking to embody the holiness, faithfulness, and righteousness that define the divine nature. This song serves as an enduring reminder that true worship involves not just adoration but a complete offering of self, a profound aspiration for God’s will to be perfectly lived out in our lives.