he had such good intensions
high finance dreams
gonna build the Kingdom
doing his gospel thing
now he's learning to talk a real good game
he knows all the right clich?s
but good intensions don't get his quota made
when did it start to change?
compromise for the dollar sake?
Chorus:
have you really taken an inside look?
are you hearing what your actions say?
have you really taken an inside look?
do you think that God would do it that way?
now he sits behind a big oak desk
and he's talking on the phone
spinning wheels, making deals
just see how far he's come
he says he hasn't really changed
it's all for the sake of the dream
just doing what he has to do
the end justifies the means
?cause when push comes to shove
you better look out for number one
(Repeat chorus)
oh Lord, don't let us waste our lives
trying to build self-serving dreams ?
religious schemes
and Lord, don't let us fool ourselves
hiding what we really mean ? honestly
Lord, help us see integrity
Inside Look Video
Inside Look Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Inside Look: A Reflection on Integrity and Compromise
Introduction:
Russ Taff, a renowned contemporary Christian, gospel, and southern gospel singer, released the song "Inside Look" as part of his album, "Under Their Influence" in 1991. The song delves into the theme of integrity and the dangers of compromising one's values for personal gain.
Verse 1: Good Intentions and High Finance Dreams
The song begins by introducing a character who starts with good intentions and high finance dreams. This individual aspires to build God's Kingdom and spread the gospel through their work. However, as the lyrics suggest, they soon find themselves talking a good game and resorting to clichés to achieve their goals. The question arises, "When did it start to change?" implying a shift in their motives and actions.
Verse 2: Compromise for the Sake of Success
The second verse highlights the character's compromise in their pursuit of success. They justify their actions, claiming that they haven't really changed and are merely doing what they have to do. This compromise is driven by the desire to reach their quotas and meet their financial goals. The lyrics imply that the character is prioritizing their own interests and financial gain over their initial mission of building God's Kingdom.
Chorus: Taking an Inside Look
The chorus serves as a reflection point, urging the listener to take an inside look at their own actions and intentions. It questions whether they are truly hearing what their actions say and if they believe that God would approve of their methods. The chorus encourages self-reflection and the examination of one's integrity and alignment with biblical principles.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The song "Inside Look" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's values and integrity for personal gain. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and staying true to one's original intentions. The inspiration behind the song could stem from personal experiences or observations of individuals in the Christian industry who may have strayed from their initial mission.
Critically Analyzing the Biblical Alignment:
To critically analyze the biblical alignment of "Inside Look," we must examine the themes of integrity and compromise in light of biblical teachings.
1. Integrity:
The Bible places great emphasis on integrity and upright conduct. Proverbs 10:9 states, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." The song's message resonates with this biblical principle, urging individuals to reflect on their actions and ensure they align with God's standards of integrity.
2. Compromise:
The song cautions against compromising one's values for personal gain. The Bible warns against compromising one's faith and principles for worldly success. Romans 12:2 instructs believers to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This verse emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and not compromising in the face of worldly pressures.
3. Prioritizing God's Kingdom:
The song's initial focus on building God's Kingdom aligns with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:33, where He instructs His followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. However, the character in the song veers off course, prioritizing personal success over their original mission. This serves as a cautionary reminder to prioritize God's Kingdom above all else.
Conclusion:
"Inside Look" by Russ Taff serves as a thought-provoking reflection on integrity and compromise. The song warns against straying from one's initial intentions and compromising values for personal gain. Through its lyrics, it urges listeners to self-reflect and examine their actions in light of biblical teachings. While the song resonates with biblical principles of integrity and prioritizing God's Kingdom, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and not succumbing to worldly pressures.
