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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
God has a sense of humor. Blasphemy, you say. No, He must have a sense of humor or noise would not be acceptable. I’ve heard noise. Joyful or otherwise, is just -- well, noise. But that is so very indicative of His love and acceptance of us, just as we are -- whether, operatic sopranos or tone-death indulgers in aquatic containers.

There is a raging debate in the culture over what type of worship is appropriate. Okay, so maybe raging is an overstatement. Nevertheless, it seems to me this debate is barely worth having because God simply wants our worship, a fully committed heart, body and soul. Whether it comes in songs of contemporary rock or hymns, or tears of joy and/or sorrow, its worship God seeks. People care what form the worship takes. People, who think that their way is the best way or worse, the only way, care.

Music, the art of arranged sounds, is one of those things, like warm golden sunsets, twinkling night skies and white sandy beaches that can stir our souls, helping us know that our universe and our lives are not random acts of chaos, but the carefully orchestrated creation of a living and loving God. Worship (through song, or otherwise) is our way of acknowledging God for who He is and thanking Him for what He’s done in our lives.

Human beings are funny creatures. Even when we are trying to do the right thing, we still manage to get in our own way.

A couple of weeks ago, as I was listening to the debate on a local Christian radio call-in program I thought how odd that this is even a topic for discussion. What does it matter whether the songs are “traditional” hymns, gospel, modern Christian rock, or the now emerging Christian rap? Isn’t it only important that it be heart felt praise and worship directed toward our Lord?

As the flawed humans we are, we constantly seek to limit God and put him in a box. This debate over types of worship is just another example in a long line of examples throughout history and mentioned in the Bible. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus tries to explain to the Pharisees that their concern about whether his disciples washed their hands prior to eating was misplaced as he recounts the prophecy of Isaiah, “The Lord says: These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)

Worship is not for our benefit, so the style of music used for worship is not about what pleases us. While our musical tastes may draw us to one church over another, the act of worship has to be the ultimate goal.

The debate pitted callers advocating traditional hymns as the only form of acceptable worship on one side and those advocating all music on the other. I was never able to discern if the traditionalists had any scriptural support for their position or if it was just their belief that modern music wasn’t godly.

The “modern” group relied on Psalm 98:4 (ESV), which reads, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Additionally, they argued that God enjoyed all musical styles since he created them.

I have no idea what music God prefers. David felt God enjoys a joyful noise. Whether that noise is rock and roll, heavy metal, rap or solemn hymns, I know God enjoys it when our hearts are focused on him. We can use the lyrics in “Heart of Worship” to remind us that worship is never about us, but always about Jesus.

“When the music fades, all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring, something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart.

“I’ll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within, through the way things appear
You’re looking in to my heart.

“I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You, all about You Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the things I’ve made it
When it’s all about You, all about You Jesus.” *

*excerpted from “Heart of Worship” words and music by Matt Redman
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This article has been read 792 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Janice Cartwright
03/15/07
Amen brother! Isn't it amazing how Jesus always cuts to the chase of any debate? The heart, the heart, the heart!
Michelle Arnesen
03/15/07
This is excellent! Well said. Where does it say you have to have the gift to sing or harmonize in order worship God?
Julie Arduini
03/16/07
I loved music, the art of arranged sounds. The message is sound, the writing very good! Keep at it!
Angela M. Baker-Bridge
03/17/07
You're preaching to the choir here!! As for Christian Rap, my sons wrote and used it for ministry in 1986 - not quite as newly emerging as some churches think. Thanks for sharing your heart in your submission. Truth is always a winner!
Donna Powers
03/18/07
I've had this discussion with my daughters more than once. Unfortunately, it is hard for me to see the Godly influences in Christian rap, but I do acknowledge that whatever gets someone to focus on the Lord is what that person needs. So... to each their own, as long as it gives the glory to God. Good work!