The Good, the True, the Beautiful

(Hideous Heart)

There is nothing good in me

And for all the good I'll do

It all adds up to be filthy rags

In God's most Holy view.

There is nothing true in me

A wicked man am I

I've falsified my very life

Exchanged it for a lie.

And when it comes to beauty

I have none of my own

There's ugliness and bitterness

In the image I have shown.

The good the true, the beautiful

Are things IÝ never knew

Though I've been blind, still I can find

The good, the true, the beautiful in You.

So hideous and hollow

This heart within me beats

And who can know its insolence

And fathom its deceits

Lord You alone have known me

And not sent me far away

And you alone have shown me

A love that lights my way.

Whatsoever things are lovely

Whatsoever things are true

Whatsoever things are of good report

Will make us think of you

Whatsoever things are honest

Whatsoever things are just

On virtue and on praise we think

And in you we will trust.

The good, the true, the beautiful

You are forming from this dust

To make a noble vessel

Till Christ is formed in us!

Renewed in both our minds and hearts

Our old man is undone

Remade into the likeness

Of the image of the Son.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (KJV) Phil 4:8

February 24, 2006

Anthony Foster