When I first read this album's subtitle, "Rocking kids songs from God's word', I thought "Yeah right, that'll be the day!'
I'd never heard of Quiz Worx so I expected this latest offering of Christian music for kids to either sound daggy and be choked by too much biblical content or more predictably, that it would be a polished but overly sentimental kid's "worship' album. But I was wrong. I love this album. Quiz Worx has delivered big time, melding solid bible based lyrics to some rocky, upbeat and at times thumping tunes.
Cumulatively Living 4 Jesus encourages kids to learn about God and revel in him through his word. The songs quote or allude to gospel accounts, parables, psalms and cover a range of topics including faith, the Holy Spirit, godliness, even eschatology (a worthwhile subject but I still think the word "eschatology' should remain in the lecture theatre!).
The lyrical content and musical style will probably suit middle to upper primary children. However, my kindy/pre-school kids are already rocking out to this album.
Two highlights for me were "One Day' and "The Love of Money'. While many of us will squirm at the thought of raising the subject of death and suffering with kids, "One Day' takes it head on and pulls it off using an upbeat tune. Kids are left in no doubt in the face of difficulty- "Trust Jesus!'
"The Love of Money' tackles the touchy subject of materialism and is so good it deserves a hearing outside the children's church. You have to admire the album's bravery or perhaps we should just be thankful for its faithfulness to scripture.
A song is potentially more powerful than a sermon. Ideas and words become captured in catchy jingles ensuring they cling to our minds ready for future consumption long after the preacher has sat down. So it's all the more imperative we exercise our duty of care to children by ensuring what they sing is both pleasing to the ear and good for gaining wisdom.
If you're trying to connect with the older kids at church but don't want to compromise on the lyrics or are tired of having to say no to the latest pop glitz that has suspiciously vague references to the Bible then clear the shelves. Salvation is here.
