In March, my brother Jim had an airline credit that was burning a hole in his pocket. So after much pestering on my part, he and my SIL Michelle came to beautiful western NC for a visit. The trip overlapped with his birthday so I wanted to do something special to celebrate.

It so happens that Zach Williams was performing at the nearby arena in Asheville, so I picked up four tickets for the concert. At the time, I was only marginally familiar with the Christian artist – and was pretty sure that Jim and Michelle were completely unacquainted with his music. Nonetheless, this seemed the best of the options and I was led to make the purchase. I figured it was time to expand their musical horizons.

After a fantastic dinner at a nearby tapas restaurant downtown, we walked in to Harrah’s Cherokee Center and made our way to some pretty sweet seats. Zach was onstage shortly thereafter.

Early in his set, the band performed this song, Less Like Me, that spoke to me like no other in recent memory. The rest of the concert, though engaging, seemed like a blur as all I wanted to do was get to my phone and add this to my worship playlist.

Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped
Somebody with a hand that I could have held
When I just can’t see past myself
Lord, help me be

A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me

I would like to think my brother and Michelle were moved in the same way I was. Perhaps.

A couple of times each week, I set this song on repeat as I savor my morning coffee on the deck, just to remind myself to be more like Jesus…and a lot less like me. Each time I do, I feel refreshed, renewed and inspired. Try it and listen!