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"Leaven of the Stage" by Jade Lundgren

 

Listen to Jade Lundgren’s debut album, featuring “Come to Life”
and many more uplifting songs.

 
 

A few words from jade

 

In Matthew 16, Jesus said, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 5, we read, “Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” Fame, platform, profit, and celebrity culture can threaten to leaven ministry.

The priesthood was sacred, set apart for the Lord. I believe that those of us in ministry, Christian music, or serving the Lord in any capacity need to continually check our hearts. We must be mindful of the worldly ways of thinking and doing that may have crept in. Luke 12 says, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” We need to stay alert to this.

As humans, our motives may never be 100% pure in anything—especially in work, careers, or when dealing with an “audience,” which all too often gets mixed into ministry. “The leaven of the stage spread like disease.” Globally, I believe God is purifying His people and His Church. Sometimes this means exposing leaders in ministry who have tried to conceal their sin. When God exposes, I believe it’s His mercy, giving people time to step into His light and repent.

Jordan Merritt and I wrote this song in humility, fully aware that we, too, have been tempted to steal from Jesus by using ministry and music to serve ourselves. “You be big, I’ll be small” is a prayerful cry for the Lord to increase as we decrease. Jesus, we’re sorry—for ourselves and on behalf of Your Church—for the various, insidious ways we’ve twisted serving You.

 

leaven of the stage lyrics

Verse 1
 I did my way, but it led me straight to hell
I asked for faith, but I really wanted wealth
I used your Name, to bring myself applause
I was dead inside, they couldn’t tell at all

Verse 2
Wow, look at me, I thought I earned it all
All I really had was a crowd to watch me fall
All I ever really wanted was Your love
When did I decide that it was not enough?

Chorus 1
Jesus, I’m sorry for the way I steal from You
I never meant to hurt, I’m just deceived and so confused
Jesus, I’m sorry for my selfishness and lies
Have mercy on my sin, and heal the sickness of my pride

Verse 3
I used to say, "Lord, You are all I need”
But the leaven of the stage spread like disease!
Oh, I went to war, but I didn’t count the cost
On earth, I’d won, but perhaps I really lost

Verse 4
I never thought I could be this far from home
I even thought I could fix it on my own
Did I run too far? Oh, hear my cry for help!
Forgive me, God! I’m exhausted with myself

Chorus 2
Jesus, I’m sorry for the way I steal from You
I never meant to hurt, I’m just deceived and so confused
Jesus, I’m sorry for my selfishness and lies
Have mercy on my sin, and heal the sickness of my pride

Bridge 1
'Cause You rise when I fall!
When I’m weak You are strong!
You be big, I’ll be small!
It’s what I wanted all along!
So take all that’s left
Pull this crown off my head!
This is all that I need
On my face here at Your feet

Chorus 3
Jesus, I’m sorry for the way I steal from You
I never meant to hurt, I’m just deceived and so confused
Jesus, I’m sorry for my selfishness and lies
Have mercy on my sin, and heal the sickness of my pride

JADE LUNDGREN BIO

Jade Lundgren is a deep well of an artist, passionate about all things creative, specifically singing, songwriting, and design. Rooted in her hometown, Jade is proud to be from Pittsburgh PA, where she and her husband have raised their three beautiful daughters. With an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, and a love for theology, Jade can often be found reading books, studying, or quoting an early church father.

Her strong desire to know and teach the word of God well comes out in her songwriting. Currently a pastor at her local church, Jade has been leading worship for many years and started writing with Jennie Lee Riddle and the People & Songs family in 2012. In 2013, Jennie and Jade formed The Emerging Sound, where they collaborated with such artists as Micah Tyler, Lauren Daigle, Charity Gayle, and many others to pour into the next generation of songwriters. Jade is honored to be a part of the People & Songs team and The Band Table with fellow artists Jordan Merritt, Jonathan Lee McElhenney, and Cliff Preston.

“The crown jewel of my life is Jesus. He’s the high point, the whole point, and the most noteworthy thing about me. He interrupted the course of my normal teenage life, and at 16, opened my eyes to my need for a Savior and gave me the grace and courage to leave my normal life behind and follow Him. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I have happily dedicated my life to loving and serving God however He sees fit”- Jade Lundgren