For 5,000 years, everywhere on the globe, "slavery was as accepted as birth and marriage and death," writes Eric Metaxas in his book Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery. Today, after the work of Wilberforce and his friends, "slavery continues to exist here and there in the trafficking of the sex trade, for example, although the idea that slavery is inextricably intertwined with human civilization--and part of the way things are supposed to be, and economically necessary and morally defensible--is gone."

 

The Wrecking is defined by an unparalleled drive for what is deeper. Musically, emotionally, and spiritually this band communicates on a level that is undeniable. Commonly referred to as perfectionists in their obsessive pursuit of sonic excellence and explosive execution, The Wrecking has cultivated a truly unique sound that is readily accessible. By interlocking hook-driven rock with urban grooves and futuristic adventurism, The Wrecking has emerged from the East Coast music scene as a critically acclaimed powerhouse. 

 

Explicit sincerity as musicians and people has allowed The Wrecking the ability to seamlessly navigate between Christian and mainstream venues with instant credibility and great success. 

 

Karl Anderson (keyboards/bass/vocals), Chris James (guitar) and brothers Douglas Elder (lead vocals/guitar) and Darren Elder (drums) make up The Wrecking. They teamed up with producer Dustin Burnett (Augustana, Newsboys, Throwing Gravity, Jimmy Needham) and mastering by Adam Ayan (Nirvana, Madonna, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones), for the creation of So Much for Love. With 14 tracks that celebrate the purpose of struggle and the beauty of rising from brokenness, this album is sure to resonate with listeners.

 

The Wrecking is breaking all kinds of molds in the music industry with a strong mainstream and faith-based following. Drummer Darren Elder, shares, "After three years of full-time touring, writing and recording we know exactly who we are now and where we want to go. Maybe it's because we have done this on our own, but it is really exciting to see that we now organically exist in both the mainstream and Christian markets." 

 

I had the opportunity to interview Darren Elder from The Wrecking about their catchy song "View from the Top."

 

 

Our hope is that as a band the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There's no doubt that we are four guys in desperate need of a Savior. We all need Jesus. Everybody has something bearing down on them. "View from the Top" is about that longing to get above it and reach up a hand to God's hand reaching down to us to pull us up. We are no different than anyone else. 

 

This song is a reminder and an anthemic song that reminds us where our power comes from, and where our strength comes from--only from God. We write these songs so that people can sing them along with us. If it's just us singing, that's a one-sided conversation. Our hope is that the message of this song resonates with everyone and we want people to know that the Lord can lift us out of whatever situation we are dealing with. It's a song of adoration and song of hope. There's also a certain bit of rebellion towards the things that bear down on us. 

 

Isaiah 43:1: "But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine."

Luke 11:1-4: Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

 

 

Christ has changed my life and the lives of all the guys in the band, and we are so thankful for that. That's the essence of what the songs are about. We truly respect what anyone believes and want to be sensitive to that, but we just want to say, "Hey, His love is beautiful and it sustains us!" 

 

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. If there was a way I could screw up my relationship with Christ, I'm sure I could find it. The Bible gives us ultimate assurance that there is nothing we are capable of doing that will separate us from Christ. When we look at the world, the way that we love others. If you know that you can't lose God's love, it affects how you love others. God adores us. I don't know why, but in spite of myself He loves me. That gives me a lot of peace. 

 

The song reflects the Truth from "The Lord's Prayer—On earth as it is in heaven." An issue that's close to our hearts is fighting for the abolition of children in slavery. There are over 30 million people in slavery today, more than ever in history. We very much want to see our faith be alive, and living and active and set people free both spiritually and physically. 

 

 

Matthew Henry's commentary: "Lord, teach us to pray is a good prayer, and a very needful one, for Jesus Christ only can teach us, by His Word and Spirit, how to pray. Lord, teach me what it is to pray; Lord, stir up and quicken me to the duty; Lord, direct me what to pray for; teach me what I should say. Christ taught them a prayer, much the same that He had given before in His sermon upon the mount. Let us in our requests, both for others and for ourselves, come to our heavenly Father, confiding in His power and goodness."

 

The song excites me as a worshiper and encourages me how much God loves me. The thought that God rejoices over us with singing is incredible, and He is worthy of all of our praise and devotion. It's my prayer that my "behind the song" devotionals will encourage readers and be an influence to people's individual walks with Christ, or maybe to even lead people to Christ if they haven't yet made the decision. 

 

Remember that God loves you and there is nothing that we can do to make Him love us more. God hears us crying and He wants us to know that He's always listening and He's with us always. The ultimate comfort I take when I listen to this song is that thought that God is also singing over us: "You are mine and I'm all Yours."

 

As we reflect on our role as Christians on Election Day, here's a quote from William Wilberforce—"When I reflect on the command which says, ‘Thou shalt do no murder,' believing the authority to be divine, how can I dare to set up any reasonings of my own against it? And, sir, when we think of eternity, and of the future consequences of all human conduct, what is there in this life that should make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice, the laws of religion, and of God?"

 

(Here's the music video.)