Originally from Detroit, Michigan, the six original members were Keith Staten, Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Karl Reid, Michael Brooks, and Michael Williams. In 1991 Staten and Brooks left the group and were replaced by Marvin Sapp, Maxx Frank, and Eddie Howard, Jr.. By 1994 Howard had left the group and Williams left a year later. Hammond also left to pursue a career with the group Radical For Christ. He was replaced by Montrell Darrett. By 2000, Marcus Cole and Chris Poole had taken the place of Sapp and Darrett on the group's last studio album. In 2002 Commissioned released a reunion album which brought back most of the group's former members and featured most of its greatest hits. The group performed live on stage during the 2002 Stellar Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.
(2) An urban Black gospel band with crossover appeal, Commissioned are an extremely evangelistic group in concert who put on such a dramatic show that the altars are routinely packed with repenters following their performances. Members Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Michael Brooks and Marvin Sapp have all done many successful solo projects as well. They spent most of the '90s pursuing those careers, but found themselves back together in 2001 for a reunion tour and the first of another successful series of albums. ~ Bil Carpenter, Rovi
A Life That Shows
Commissioned Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every single day, every way
Light that glows
You need a life that shows
People deal with you every day
They see you come, and likewise go
They listen to the words that you say
A little upward show will let them know
It's the Lord you stand for
You need a life that shows
You need a to be a light,
(Light that glows)
Sometimes blending in is misunderstood
As being afraid, being ashamed
Take a stand my friend this you should
You belong to Jesus
Be proud your wearing His name
'Cause you are His go ahead be a witness
Go on and be a guiding light
You need a life that show
You're the only help that someone's ever know
So you need to be a light that glows
(You need a life that shows)
Let your light shine before all men
Let it shine, shine.
Let it shine, shine.
Let it shine, shine.
Let it shine, shine.
The lyrics to Commissioned's "A Life That Shows" call for Christians to live their faith every day, to be a light that shines in both their actions and their words. The song begins by emphasizing the importance of demonstrating one's faith through actions that can be seen and felt by others, making it clear that a hidden faith is ineffective in spreading the Gospel. The chorus repeats the sentiment that we need to be a light that glows, not just in one area of our lives, but in every single day and every way.
The second verse speaks to the reality that people are watching us and often judge us by our words and actions. The lyrics urge us to represent the Lord with our lives and not be afraid to take a stand for Him. The chorus repeats again that we need to have a life that shows and be a guiding light for others. The bridge then calls on us to let our light shine before all men, to not be ashamed or afraid of standing up for our faith and representing Jesus.
Overall, "A Life That Shows" is a call to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, to be a light for others to follow, and to never be afraid or ashamed to represent Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of both actions and words and encourages us to be proud of wearing His name.
Line by Line Meaning
You need a life that shows
Your actions and words should reflect your beliefs every single day in every way
Every single day, every way
Consistency in reflecting your beliefs is key
Light that glows
Be a shining example for others to follow
People deal with you every day
Your actions are noticed and can impact those around you
They see you come, and likewise go
People pay attention to how you enter and exit their lives
They listen to the words that you say
Your words have the power to influence and inspire
What you stand they don't they know
People can't see your intentions or beliefs unless you show them
A little upward show will let them know
Demonstrate your beliefs through your actions and people will understand your intentions
It's the Lord you stand for
Your life should reflect your faith in God
You're the only help that someone's ever known
You can make a positive impact on someone's life by being an example for them to follow
Sometimes blending in is misunderstood
It's important to stand out and be proud of your beliefs, even if it's not always easy
As being afraid, being ashamed
Don't let fear or shame stop you from being true to yourself and your faith
Take a stand my friend this you should
Be confident in your beliefs and stand up for them
You belong to Jesus
Your identity should be rooted in your faith
Be proud your wearing His name
Be proud to represent your faith and live your life accordingly
'Cause you are His go ahead be a witness
Use your life as a testimony to others of God's love and mercy
Go on and be a guiding light
As a Christian, it's important to guide others towards the light of God
Let your light shine before all men
Be unapologetically yourself and express your faith for all to see
Let it shine, shine.
Let your light radiate and inspire those around you
Let it shine, shine.
Your light can make a difference in the world
Let it shine, shine.
Don't be afraid to make a positive impact on those around you
Let it shine, shine.
Your light can help guide others towards a better life and a better world
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRED HAMMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
misslittlemomma
This song is so beautiful to me.. Still sounds good today!!
thinking man of 1978
I use to always hear the older folks say "let your testimony be your walk-amony", now I find myself in older shoes and it's time for me and us to be preachers of God's word in season and out of season. It is not enough for us to sit down be filled and blessed with all of this good teaching...We need a life that shows...#imgoingonwithJesus
C Green
Well said! 💯
Melody L.
Come on sir!!! SO true!
Ryan Becote
I agree. This group carried me thru all I was going Thru as a young newly Born Again Christain Christain and they gave me music to groove to, leaving the secular world of music and they were just as funky if not funkier. Ya Dig. Thanks Commissioned.
Lashelle Turner
I have every single album Commissioned has made. I was a young kid listening to their lyrics that deepened my love for the Lord. I know the lyrics to every song. #1 forever in my book.
Deb Jackson
In these last and evil days we need a Life That Shows!!!!
Isaac Jones
You asked them to step it up musically? These boys are all pros in the gospel field, even when they first came out. The more albums they did, the better the production got. I love these boys.
MelanatedRN #reparationsnow
Isaac Jones men*
michele6691
PHENOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! never get old I Love this song