(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus Walks with me)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long.
Overflowing with gospel topics, any discussion of "Jesus Walks" by Kanye West warrants more than one post. Part 1 focuses on the personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Part 2 explores what we believe about how "Jesus walks" with other people. Part 3 deals with Kanye's thoughts on religion in the music business and society at large. (Please note that these posts will not cover the initial parts of the narrative talking about crime and interacting with the police)
Kanye's lyrics touch on various different sides of our relationship with our Savior.
Acknowledging the necessity for Jesus in our lives:
I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis
that's the way I need Jesus
Dealing with sin:
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
Latter-day Saints do believe it takes more than a vocal expression to Jesus Christ when it comes to applying the atonement, though I believe our dependence upon our Redeemer is not diminished by this doctrine.
Giving strength against the Adversary:
God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down
Satan's existence and his constant temptations are referenced often in Church teachings.
He is mindful of us in our life and trials:
I know He hear me when my feet get weary.
Knowing we don't always make the best of our relationship with Him
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long
This is an understandable fear from the scriptures about the Lord being slow to hear because the people haven't prayed (or behaved) as they should. We don't know why the brother of Jared ceased praying, as recorded in the book of Ether. The Book of Mormon text is quite clear that the Lord was displeased and chastened him for hours. The prodigal son and other examples show that God does want us to come unto him no matter how long it's been.
Wanting others to feel His love:
Well let this [rapping about Jesus] take away from my spins
Which will probably take away from my ends
Then I hope it take away from my sins
And bring the day that I'm dreaming about
Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out
(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
Kanye's desires at the end of the song echo the prayers offered by Enos (and others), willing to personally sacrifice in their efforts to bring others to Jesus.
Joseph Smith wrote: "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you to forgo the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth..."
To be continued in Part 2, How "Jesus Walks" with Others