There are a number of things that confuse me about how we conduct church. One of the main ones is how we define worship. For the most part, in most of the churches I have attended, worship is defined as the music section that happens before the message. There may also be some musical solo there.
That bothers me.
Now, full disclosure here, I am a musician of sorts, I have played guitar for 53 years. I have lead singing in more Christian meetings than I can hope to remember, I have been some of that special music in services. My wife and all my children are also musicians and have served or are serving in that same capacity. So I like music. I like most of what we sing in the churches now – most of it, but that is another post, probably tomorrow.
When I read the Psalms, there is music there, instruments as well, which begs the question of why there are some churches that ban instruments. But there is much more in the Psalms than music. Psalm 119 leaps to mind, Davis Opus Maxim on his love for the Word of God. And there is the source of my bother.
It is the Word of God that reveals the nature and character of God, 2 Peter 1:2 – 4, among many others. When we open the Word of God it is much like stepping into the throne room of God. He reveals Himself through this Book. What we see there should drive us to our knees. It should humble us. It should break our hearts at the beauty and majesty of what we see in those pages. When the pastor shares, he should be using that Word to paint a picture of the glorious Lord whom we serve.
It seems that should be the center of our worship. Am I missing something here?
Now, full disclosure here, I am a musician of sorts, I have played guitar for 53 years. I have lead singing in more Christian meetings than I can hope to remember, I have been some of that special music in services. My wife and all my children are also musicians and have served or are serving in that same capacity. So I like music. I like most of what we sing in the churches now – most of it, but that is another post, probably tomorrow.
When I read the Psalms, there is music there, instruments as well, which begs the question of why there are some churches that ban instruments. But there is much more in the Psalms than music. Psalm 119 leaps to mind, Davis Opus Maxim on his love for the Word of God. And there is the source of my bother.
It is the Word of God that reveals the nature and character of God, 2 Peter 1:2 – 4, among many others. When we open the Word of God it is much like stepping into the throne room of God. He reveals Himself through this Book. What we see there should drive us to our knees. It should humble us. It should break our hearts at the beauty and majesty of what we see in those pages. When the pastor shares, he should be using that Word to paint a picture of the glorious Lord whom we serve.
It seems that should be the center of our worship. Am I missing something here?
I think worship is anything you do that brings you closer to God. Most of the worship songs out there come directly from the Word. Music seems to reach into us and touch us in a way that reading just can't (and I'm an avid reader!!). People can listen to worship music as they awaken in the morning, as they get ready for work, as they drive to work, while at work, etc. When I hear Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, etc I sing along and it brightens my whole day
ReplyDeleteYep, I have the same experience with some songs, in particular "In Christ Alone." I would have never guessed you for an avid reader though ;-).
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