In 1981, James Ingram provided the vocals for the song Just Once on Quincy Jones’ album entitled The Dude. This song appeared in many movies during the 1980’s, often portraying heart break to close out a scene. The context of these lyrics reveal just how fragile earthly relationships are, falling apart over the course of time. However, indirectly, this song also touches on several biblical truths about mankind’s severed connection with God.
“Just Once” lyrics in BOLD print.
I did my best
But I guess my best wasn’t good enough
According to the Bible, there is nobody good enough, not even one, Romans 3:9-12. Thus, no matter how hard I or you try to be good, it’s impossible not to sin. Whatever good intentions you might have as you get up each and every day will fade when anger, disappointment or frustration comes your direction.
Cause here we are
Back where we were before
Seems nothin’ ever changes
We’re back to being strangers
The conception of sin has alienated individuals from God, banished from God’s presence just like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:23-24. This separation is what the Bible refers to as spiritual darkness, like Nicodemus in John 3:1-9, blind to the spiritual reality Jesus was trying to communicate.
Wondering if we ought to stay
Or head on out the door
For 10 years as a Bible teacher, I heard students ask, “why has God abandoned me?” While I wasn’t exactly sure how to answer each person with gentleness and respect, most leave God, not vice versa. The devil uses bitterness to shift the blame toward God, not themselves.
Just once…
Can’t we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong Why we never last for very long
What are we doin’ wrong
Just once…
The apostle Paul illustrates a similar struggle in Romans 7:15-17. Until he added Jesus into this equation, Paul kept committing the same mistakes, over and over again.
Can’t we find a way to finally make it right
To make the magic last for more than just one night
Humanly speaking, effort is not what most people lack. The wages of sin result in the payment of death, Romans 6:23. Although some call it magic, what Jesus did on the cross is a miracle, Colossians 2:13-15.
If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it
(Hmm hmmmm)
The only way to break through is by becoming born again, Galatians 2:20. Any other attempts to enter God’s gates through another route will fail, John 10:7-10.
I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
Cause Lord knows we’re not gettin’ anywhere
Seems we’re always blowin’
Whatever we’ve got goin’
And it seems at times with all we’ve got
We haven’t got a prayer
Whenever you pull a Hagar, by forcing a relationship without God’s assistance, Genesis 16:2, negatives consequences follow. Just ask the Israelites, as Ishmael became the father of the Arab nation, which ultimately wants to destroy the Jews today. However, with God, everything is possible, Matthew 19:26. Therefore, Lord, just once, on this day, make your presence real to those searching for true meaning and a higher purpose in life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 