As far back as we can understand history, music has been a constant companion for humankind. Countless melodies, chants, hymns, and songs have provided hope, comfort, encouragement, and challenge to each generation. When it comes to worship experiences, it is often the form of worship that has the greatest “staying power”. Long after sermons, prayers, and spiritual meals have ended, we find that songs continue on repeat within us.
God has given us the wonderful gift of music and as people of faith we have a responsibility to give part of that gift back to God. When we make music together in church worship services, we demonstrate our thanks for this gift and all the other beautiful blessings the Divine has granted us. In our music making we proclaim our love for God and our desire to grow in faith, to follow wherever God might be leading us. Music becomes a sacrifice of praise and an invitational cry for God to work through us.
Music not only connects us with our God in heaven; music is also a key way we can connect with one another—our shared humanity—on earth. Music (both with and without words) can be a uniting force, bringing people together. Many melodies have become rallying cries for movements that have changed the courses of history. Regardless of our raw talent for singing or playing an instrument, we can all participate in, and be motivated by, the power of music.
The melodies and refrains we choose to include in our churches matter a lot. We must make sure our songs reflect the values of the gospel and keep our worship focused on loving God and loving one another (the “greatest commandment”; Mark 12:28-33; Matthew 22:34-40). We should take time to recall and praise the Triune God for the grace and blessings we have received, without ever turning our worship into primarily being about us. Our music choices in church must remain centered more around God and others than ourselves.
In contemporary church music, we often see these aforementioned principles abandoned for showy and self-centered concert-like experiences. Furthermore, theological fundamentals (such as the concepts of the Universal Church, the Holy Trinity, and eschatology) are lacking from many newer worship songs. The lyrics are now simple and the concepts shallow. The communally-focused worship music found in hymnals is out of fashion in many churches, and personal, individualized worship is in vogue. (Side note: Someday, I’d love to write a series of reflections on some of the old hymns.)
What then of “secular” music and concert experiences? Should the Christian abandon these altogether? By no means. Music for the sake of music is not bad. In fact, it too can help us discover new realities of our faith and our common humanity. Just like films, books, and other art forms can help us draw closer to God and one another, even when created from a secular stance. When used in church settings though our bar must be set higher, since we are offering our songs as a sacrifice to God.
So, let the music play, at all times and in all seasons of the Church Year. May we hear a diverse array of music styles and songs that reflect the extent of God’s love for all humanity. Let music play in our hearts and minds, always comforting us and pushing our spirits forward. Let it inspire us to do our part to build the Everlasting Kingdom of God. Let it bring us closer to God and to one another. For the glory of God.
Relevant Reformation 