Lyrics
Still trying to build an empire
Still trying to be a king
Still trying to follow Jesus
Still trying to shake that sin
I can't be polishing my own crown
When I remember Yours was made of thorns
Oh the only things that matter
Aren't always given the applause
And after all is said and done
And everything returns to dust
Faith hope love
These three things remain
Faith hope love
These three things remain
Nobody is a rich man
On the day they're laid to rest
Don't spend your lifetime chasing
What's already second best
There's a feeling we remember
From the people who've already left
If you're gonna store your treasure
Make sure it's heaven kept
And after all is said and done
And everything returns to dust
Faith hope love
These three things remain
Faith hope love
These three things remain
These three things remain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Faith hope love
These three things remain
Faith hope love
These three things remain
Faith hope love
These three things remain
Faith hope love
These three things remain
These three things remain
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Faith Hope Love contrasts temporary status with the virtues that endure. The opening confession exposes the tension between following Jesus and building a personal kingdom, then answers that tension with the image of Christ’s crown of thorns. Applause, wealth, and earthly accomplishment all return to dust, so the lyric measures a life by a different standard. Its central refrain directly echoes Paul’s declaration that faith, hope, and love remain.
The second verse extends that contrast to treasure and mortality. Material success cannot survive death, while treasure kept in heaven points toward Jesus’ teaching about lasting riches. The later call to turn toward Christ shifts attention from self-made importance to his glory and grace. Across these sections, the song treats faith as trust beyond visible rewards, hope as confidence beyond death, and love as the enduring value that gives both their proper direction. The result is a clear meditation on Christian priorities and eternal worth.
Related Scripture
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 Paul names faith, hope, and love as the three virtues that remain.
- Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus contrasts earthly treasure with treasure stored in heaven.
- Hebrews 12:2 The passage calls believers to fix their eyes on Jesus.