For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show himself strong to those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him…
2 Chronicles 16:9a
The commencement speech at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, by country music artist Eric Church has gone viral. Titled “Six Strings of Life,” its impact on countless people, beyond the graduates and faculty, is a testament to how our current culture is seeking substance and hope. A revival of hearts and a reformation of minds.
The first (E) string—which is the thickest—Church called faith. It’s what binds everything else in our lives together. He encouraged the students to “Tend to your faith not just when you’re broken, but when you’re whole.”
We are reminded of this truth in Luke 6:48—He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock… Without tending to our faith, reading God’s Word, praying regularly, and drawing from a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus, we will stumble when hit with hard circumstances. But when we build our lives on the Rock, we can stand firm in the face of adversity.
The second (A) string, Church called family. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. Walking with them, leaning on them, confessing our sins to them, reminds us that we are not alone. But we must be transparent and encouraging, speaking truth in love when necessary.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit… Galatians 6:1.
The third (D) string is assigned as the spouse. Church said the right partner “is the string that makes the whole chord ring fuller and warmer and truer than anything you could ever play alone. Choose them wisely and then love them fiercely.” He encouraged the students to look for shared values (equally yoked) over shared interests in the one they marry.
Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?—2 Corinthians 6:14
The fourth (G) string is for resilience after failure. Church quoted Ernest Hemingway, “The world breaks everyone. Afterward, the best of us are stronger at the broken places.” He then encouraged the students to “Get back up. Tune the string. Keep Playing.” As a child of God, we must lean into His plan and purpose for our lives and trust that He will carry us through.
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him—James 1:12
The fifth (B) string is for the local community over a digital life, where the temptation is to “perform for everyone and be known by no one.” We are living in a time where people interact more with AI than with the I Am. It’s easier to hide behind the internet than to be among people. True service is getting grounded in those around us and volunteering where needed. He warned the students, “Generosity isn’t something you do after you make it. It’s how you make it.”
The sixth (High E) string is for retaining what makes you unique. He could’ve been quoting Psalm 139 when he told the graduates, “You were made uniquely, wonderfully, distinctly. There’s a sound only you can make. A voice that has never existed before you and will never exist again. A contribution only you can bring… The world does not need another cover song. It needs an original.”
He concluded with, “Take your six strings, make it worth something worth hearing, and play your song.”
Prayer: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, You created us in Your image—to live lives in harmony with Your design. Our sin has damaged that image, and we have gone far astray. Please forgive us and thank You for the grace and mercy in not leaving us there.
In Your love for us, You sent Your Son to take our punishment on the cross. And because Jesus not only took on our sins, but defeated death, those of us who have put our faith and trust in Him are being restored back to You. Thank you Lord for our salvation. Help us to be obedient to the lead of Your Holy Spirit, so that our lives will reflect an ever-increasing Christlikeness.
We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
