The Heart of Worship

Music is often a divisive issue in the church. Some feel it does not belong, others give it so much honor it takes precedence over everything else. From tempo to lyrics to the kind of instruments that are played, many are offended or annoyed if their personal preferences are not met.

This isn’t a new issue. Some of the founding fathers had strong opinions about music in the church. For example, there was no harmony between Calvin and Luther in their perspective on music. Calvin condemned much of what would now be considered sacred. Luther took old bar songs and transformed them into melodies of praise.

Still, there have been moments in history when so-called “worship services” were simpler. People gathered together with or without a notable musician present and sang praises to their God without analyzing the song leader’s voice or song selections or criticizing the worship team because they are “modern” or not modern enough. There was a time when people were thankful for the opportunity to gather together. I’m sure that in some parts of the world, there are still those who can gather in this simple, God honoring way.

I recently sent this by email to someone in regards to this very subject:

The Western church as a whole has lost focus on the purpose of corporate praise. It is meant to be a time to gather as a body of believers to reflect on what God has done, to remind each other of his faithfulness, and to honor him TOGETHER. But it has become self-focused. Private worship is meant for home, corporate worship is a time to lay aside ME and worship alongside my neighbor… for the glory of God and for my neighbor’s edification.

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV)

We come together empty, expecting to be filled, when we should be coming full, ready to pour ourselves out. That’s what Paul was talking about when he said, “do you not have houses to eat and drink in?”

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself . . . therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:2-3, 7 NASB)

Our congregations lack diversity because of our refusal to defer to one another. For example, how many churches today are multi-generational? Can the old and the young not find a way to gather together? Our churches would be so much healthier if the young could embrace the old and visa versa. If we all began focusing our energy on becoming like Christ—filled with his justice, mercy, and faithfulness, we would reach so many and fulfill our true purpose in this world.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV)

Style is irrelevant. The heart behind our songs is what reaches the heavens and in turn, impacts the earth.

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. . . .

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. . . if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. . .
(1 Corinthians 11 ESV)

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