The hymn, “The Longer I Serve Him,” penned by the prolific William (Bill) Gaither, resonates deeply within the hearts of Christians worldwide. Its simple yet profound lyrics speak to a core truth of the faith: that serving God is not a stagnant duty, but a dynamic and increasingly joyful journey. This article delves into the meaning and impact of these powerful words, exploring why, indeed, “the longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.”
The lyrics themselves are straightforward, yet evocative:
Since I started for the Kingdom,
Since my life He controls,
Since I gave my heart to Jesus,
The longer I serve Him,
The sweeter He grows.Chorus
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows,
The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;
Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.Ev’ry need He is supplying,
Plenteous grace He bestows;
Ev’ry day my way gets brighter,
The longer I serve Him,
The sweeter He grows.
These verses capture the essence of a growing relationship with Christ. The opening lines establish the foundation: a commitment to the Kingdom, a surrender of control, and a heartfelt acceptance of Jesus. From this starting point, the hymn proclaims a beautiful progression. Serving Him isn’t portrayed as a chore, but as a path leading to increasing sweetness.
The chorus reinforces this central theme with rich imagery. “Sweeter He grows” isn’t just a pleasant sentiment; it speaks to a deepening appreciation and enjoyment of God’s presence. The reciprocal nature of love is highlighted: “The more that I love Him, more love He bestows.” This suggests a relationship where devotion is met with an even greater outpouring of divine affection. The lines “Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows” paint a picture of joy and fulfillment that transcends earthly circumstances, rooted in the daily experience of serving God.
The final verse expands on the practical benefits of this service. “Ev’ry need He is supplying, plenteous grace He bestows” points to the provision and abundant grace that believers experience. “Ev’ry day my way gets brighter” speaks to the hope and increasing clarity that comes with walking with God over time. Again, the refrain “The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows” serves as the resounding conclusion, tying all these blessings back to the act of service itself.
However, the hymn also implicitly raises a crucial question: does this sentiment reflect our lived experience? The original article poignantly asks:
One of the fascinating things we remember about our Christian life is our ardent passion for God when we had come to know Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. In retrospect, many of us express how passionate we were during the early stage of our Christian life…
But what happened as the years went by? Should we say we have become cold in our heart, lukewarm in our passion to live for God and lazy in disciplining our inner life?
This is a vital point of reflection. Many Christians can recall a fervent initial zeal, a “first love” that burned brightly. Yet, the demands of life, the distractions of the world, and even the familiarity of faith can sometimes dim that initial passion. The article gently challenges us to examine our hearts: have we become complacent, taking our spiritual disciplines “more easily”?
The danger, as highlighted, is that increased knowledge of God and His Word can paradoxically lead to spiritual apathy rather than deeper devotion. The article contrasts this with those who, through continued service and spiritual discipline, grow “more reverential towards God, develop more seriousness in their commitment to serve Him and grow more in their hunger for Him.”
This contrast is stark and challenging. Are we running “diligently till [we] reach the winning-post,” as Paul describes in Philippians 3:14? Or are we slowing down, losing sight of the prize? The question posed is whether, as we age and approach life’s end, we are becoming “more flippant toward spiritual issues or are we becoming more passionate, disciplined and diligent in our walk with God and in His service?”
The hymn “The Longer I Serve Him” serves as both an encouragement and a gentle rebuke. It reminds us of the potential for ever-increasing joy and sweetness in serving God. It paints a picture of a relationship that deepens and matures over time, becoming richer and more fulfilling. However, it also implicitly challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are actively cultivating this growing sweetness.
The article concludes with a powerful reference to Revelation 2:4-5, the message to the Ephesian church:
“You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place”? (Rev. 2:4-5).
This is a sobering warning, but also an invitation to renewal. If we sense a cooling of our passion, the remedy is clear: remember our “first love,” repent, and return to the actions that fueled that initial fervor.
“The Longer I Serve Him Lyrics” are not just words on a page; they are an invitation to a lifetime of deepening devotion. They are a reminder that serving God is not a burden, but a pathway to ever-increasing joy, provision, and love. Let us take the hymn’s message to heart, continually seeking to know Him more deeply and experience the ever-sweetening journey of serving our Lord.
