“There is much to be known, life is short, and life is not life without knowledge. It is therefore an excellent device to acquire knowledge from everybody. Thus, by the sweat of another’s brow, you win the reputation of being an oracle.”
~ Baltasar Gracián
It’s always helpful to have a mentor; it’s always worthwhile to have an adviser. There is a significant advantage to those who follow such an influence. It’s an opportunity to absorb the positive characteristics of a trustworthy guide — with little or no effort on your part. This aid can bring self-efficacy, valuable wisdom, and personal growth. Among the best mentors for us are those with whom we can relate the most. Wherever we find ourselves, we can always endure life’s trials with the guidance of a mentor.
In 1993, a group of four college students decided to form a band. It wasn’t for a paycheck. It was purely for fun and enjoyment. These four college students included Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, and Matt Bronleewe. All four attended the same college — Greensville University. It’s a private university located in southern Illinois and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. Their love of music would lead them to become one of the most popular alternative Christian rock bands of all time. Their songs have deep symbolism and heartfelt words.
This small band of four decided to name themselves “Jars of Clay” — which is a reference to 2 Corinthians 4:7. The scripture is very symbolic. It’s about how we as “Jars of Clay” are fragile, limited, and imperfect. But despite our imperfections, we can still carry and share this “treasure” (the gospel). The power of the gospel isn’t due to any abilities or efforts by its messengers. Rather, it’s all about God’s power. This verse is also symbolic of the fragile nature of life. In 1994, the band competed in a talent show that was founded by the Gospel Music Association. Their band, Jars of Clay, was selected as one of the finalists. As a result, the four students traveled to Nashville and took part in the contest — and won. In response to the success, three of the members decided to leave school and start their music career. Their lead guitarist, Matt Bronleewe, would be replaced by Matthew Odmark.
Many of you are aware that this ministry, the Millennial Spark, has used several symbolic songs from this band. These songs include Headphones, Faith Enough, and Good Monsters. Among the band’s most successful songs include Worlds Apart, Flood, Work, and Dead Man (Carry Me). Perhaps the most influential of the four is Flood — which is what catapulted their career. Nonetheless, they all contribute to each point in life. They built a loyal fanbase with the use of creative symbolism in each song.
Steal my heart and take the pain,
Wash my feet and cleanse my pride.
Take the selfish, take the weak,
And all the things I cannot hide.
~ Worlds Apart, Jars of Clay
Almost all of their songs have some sort of special meaning. Each song means something for each person’s unique place in life. Realism and validation are the reason for their immense popularity. You may realize while reading their song’s lyrics that they don’t follow the typical rhythm or flow like any other band. In many cases, the act of counting syllables on each song is sort of pointless. But with that said, this band has a place near my heart. One of my favorite songs by the band is titled “My Heavenly.” It reminds me of my time as a college student and attending a Christian organization known as CSF (Christian Student Fellowship). I knew in my last semester that my time with CSF was growing short. I would have to move on in life. The song titled “My Heavenly” brings back cherished memories I experienced at CSF. Each word and each stanza meant something special. The song points out that our good times in life will fade, but we as Christians can look forward to good times in our future (heaven). It’s a promise we as Christians can always hold onto.
So, when I’m lonely or when I’m old.
Life is more behind me,
All the stories have been told.
I can fix my gaze up through the clouds.
To where I’m going to be,
My Heavenly…
~ My Heavenly, Who We Are Instead
The band doesn’t just sing about good memories and a hopeful future. They go deep into the darker aspects of life. You may notice the band’s song format is distinctive from any other Christian band. It makes them quirky. It makes them unique. Jars of Clay talks about other serious issues such as life’s fragility, drug addiction, and mental illness…
In the absence of a shoulder,
In the abscess of a thief.
On the brink of this destruction,
On the eve of bittersweet.
All the demons look like prophets,
And I’m living every word they speak.
~ Work, Good Monsters
In this case, the song lyrics combine with the song’s overall chorus, “Do you know what I mean when I say I don’t want to be alone?” In fact, I didn’t fully understand this song until I became old enough to understand the concept of mental illness. Thus, it asks “Do you know what I mean?” But above all, the song paints a picture of a lonely and confused individual who’s “living out every word they speak (demons).” The enduring chaos of the moment can be caused by the effects of mood swings, impulsivity, and thoughts of self-harm. Overall, this one song fulfills two separate objectives: (1) increases mental health awareness, and (2) validates those within the mental health community. It’s the opposite of “shying away” from dark topics. It’s facing the problem head-on and overcoming them. After all, you can’t overcome a problem if you don’t acknowledge it’s there.
The group also sings about drug addiction…
Love is why for reasons,
Your hope grows short inside.
Might be the only thing,
That brings you back to life.
For a moment, I saw your eyelids rise.
Surprise…
~ Surprise, Good Monsters
The song is a reference to fainting after using drugs. As the first stanza says, “Shoot a dream in your arm and sleep away. It’s not the stuff that kills you; keeps your life at bay.” Towards the end, the song has a beautiful and powerful lesson as if Christ is speaking to you: “You think the only way to escape drug addiction is love, so you take drugs and fall asleep. But if you open your eyes a little more, then maybe you’ll see I’ve been here all along. Surprise…”
All of us need mentors in life who can motivate and inspire. It brings us strength and stability. Unfortunately, the band Jars of Clay isn’t without controversy. In this case, significant controversy.
The band as a whole has been known to tread the borderline path of secular music and Christian contemporary music. Some may say too close… My initial thoughts on this matter came with skepticism. After all, the song lyrics of Jars of Clay are in line with Christian principles. That much is true. But it all takes a completely different turn when you find out their personal conduct.
Perhaps the worst case involves their lead singer, Dan Haseltine. From the outside-looking-in, fans expected Dan (as well as the others in the band) to believe in the words in which they sang. This includes forgiveness and “being a shelter” for one another. Unfortunately, past fans have been insulted for having vaguely different viewpoints. In my unfortunate experience, I recall a case in which he called fellow Christian fans as “stupid racist bigoted pigs.” Of course, this was many years ago. I attempted to confirm this by means of looking it up on X (formerly twitter). Unfortunately, I am unable to do so. His account was terminated in 2021 for “Breaking Community Standards and Guidelines.” So, I suppose the only indicator on this matter is based on hearsay…
There is heartbreak in trusting the integrity of a mentor — only to be disappointed. But to be fair, all of us are imperfect. Being authentic, open, and vulnerable to the public is to reveal everything: mistakes, wrongdoings, and imperfections. It’s in our nature; it’s in our blood. But I suppose the solution to this vulnerability is to empower ourselves. Self-enlightenment. Self-motivation. Self-education. Self-honesty… At the end of the day, perhaps it’s best to be our own mentor.
