Taking "center stage" alongside some of Christian music's leading artists during this year's Winter Jam Tour, chart-topping singer/songwriter Sean Rodriguez performed his aptly-titled single. As a high-energy pop anthem, "Center Stage" has become a fan favorite in concert.
Encouraging listeners to give Jesus the spotlight in their lives, "Center Stage" was penned by Sean Rodriguez, Kyle Williams, and Tony Wood. Produced by Williams, the song proclaims, "Let Your spotlight show/Everywhere I go/Let the way I live/Let the whole world know/You're center stage/Take center stage." I had the opportunity to interview Sean before Winter Jam in Reading, Pennsylvania, regarding this song.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
The song was inspired by a conversation I had with a student when I was a youth leader. The young man said, "You didn't just tell me how to live; you showed me." That opened my eyes to realize, whether we know it or not, people are always watching. Even when they don't listen, we have an incredible opportunity to show them the love that God shows us.
Matthew 5:16-17 tells us that we are the light of the world and that we need to let our light shine before others so that they can see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Which means our lives must be used as a living testimony for the glory of God.
We are called to preach the Gospel, but also to live the Gospel in the best way that we can, so we can show others what a life following Christ looks like and all the blessings and goodness it can bring. That's what this song Center Stage is about.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 5:14-16(MSG): "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Mark 16:15-16(NKJV): "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.'"
2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV): "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Philippians 4:13(NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2 Corinthians 12:9(NIV): But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
What is the takeaway message?
It's asking God to step into the spotlight and take center stage because, in all our lives, we want to represent God and His love in the best way we can, so we can preach and live the Gospel. By doing those two things together, we can show how good and glorious our God really is.
I love performing 'Center Stage' live. When that first chorus drops, people have their lights in the air listening to and agreeing with the message. It's such an awesome moment to share with the audience in each city, and it's my favorite part of my Winter Jam set. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be part of Winter Jam.
A highlight of the tour for me has been speaking with and praying over youth leaders from each city before the show. That's been particularly special because I share their hearts for student ministry. I've also loved meeting new friends at the end of every concert. When people stop at my table and share their stories, they bring so much excitement.
Lyrics
They may not buy a ticket
But you can bet they're watching the show
So we don't gotta tell them
There's a lot they already know
It's in the words we say
And everything we do
The treasure that we chase
It's all the living proof, yeah
It's like the curtain rises
Every time we walk in the room
So let Your spotlight show everywhere I go
Let the way I live let the whole world know
You're center stage
Take center stage
'Cause it's showtime all the time
Come and take Your place
Jesus, make Your way to center stage
Lord, make Your way
Take center stage
People got opinions
Might have already made up their mind
But we can be the difference
Let 'em get a little glimpse of Your shine
Use what I say and do
To point 'em back to You
In every single scene
Let 'em see the living proof (Yeah)
'Cause even with their eyes on me
Let it be all eyes on You
So let Your spotlight show everywhere I go
Let the way I live let the whole world know
You're center stage
Take center stage
'Cause it's showtime all the time
Come and take Your place
Jesus, make Your way to center stage
Make Your way
Take center stage
Make Your way
Take center stage
Let Your spotlight show everywhere I go
Let the way I live let the whole world know
You're center stage
So let Your spotlight show everywhere I go
Let the way I live let the whole world know
You're center stage
Take center stage
'Cause it's showtime all the time
Come and take Your place
Jesus, make Your way to center stage
Lord, make Your way
Take center stage
Lord, make Your way
Take center stage
Closing Thoughts
Matthew 5 (MSG) says, "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept." Sometimes Christians know facts about the Bible but don't live out the Truth that the Holy Spirit is living inside us. The beauty of walking by faith and not sight is that we can trust God. As followers of Jesus, we know we can trust God's Word. We are all a work in progress. Have faith and let God "work all things together for good."
A revival is something that God wants us to pray for, and biblically we are commanded to spread the Good News of the Gospel in the Great Commission. Jesus commands in Mark 16:15: "Preach the Gospel to every creature." There are no conditions or exceptions in that command. It's more of a lifestyle that Jesus calls us to live as Christians.
Do you feel your heart-stirring for a revival? The source of that stirring is "only by the Spirit and the Word of God." Once the Light of the Holy Spirit is in you, you can show that light to others as you live your daily life, including outside of a worship context. If you are doing everything for God's glory, then you are demonstrating the love of Jesus in every encounter you have with people.
Most of all, we must remember that God is the source of all hope, and it doesn't come from anything we do. We need to believe. This song is a wonderful reminder for the believer that being a Christian means we walk by faith, not sight. Faith requires people to rely on faith in the unseen.
We all walk by faith every day. The beauty of walking by faith and not sight is that we can learn to trust God more fully. As a follower of Jesus, the key is to walk by faith and be guided in the daily walk by prayer and God's infallible Word, the Bible.
Lay your doubts and struggles at the feet of Jesus, and He'll take them from you and release you from those burdens. God wants to hear from you. We're called as Christians to believe in the freedom of the cross of Jesus. We're free from our addictions, insecurities, and perfectionism. One of the lessons I've learned about life is that we shouldn't wait to fix ourselves before we step out in faith. Look for ways to obey God and offer your faith to Him.
All we need is faith, and God will show us what He has planned for us. He's the author of our lives and knows what's best for us much better than we do. Be encouraged by the light of Jesus shining in all of us based on our faith in Him.
Personally, I'm touched to know Jesus is shining in me for all to see and believe. We can all practice "letting our light shine so that others may praise our Father in Heaven." You'll be blessed by this empowering song, which is a stand-out anthem with a convicting declaration: "Let Your spotlight show/Everywhere I go/Let the way I live/Let the whole world know/You're center stage/Take center stage." Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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