THE STATE OF THE CHURCH - Part 12: Worship

Isaac Watts was to his generation what contemporary Christian songwriters are to ours. He had the audacity to write church music in hymn form, a welcome change to many but an abomination to many others. Over time, his musical style became the norm. 

Today, the hymn is the traditional standard and contemporary music the radical alternative. And, just like in Watts' day, battle lines have been drawn. Some churches have decided to remain traditional. Others have gone completely contemporary. Some have a blended service that includes both hymns and praise songs. A growing number of churches have three separate worship events each Sunday - one traditional, one contemporary, one blended. 

"Blended" Christians have no problem with this arrangement. They say they can worship through any musical style. "Traditional" and "contemporary" Christians, however, often cannot tolerate any type of music than their own. They either gravitate to a church with similar worship tastes or campaign to convert the music of their present church into what they like.

The sad irony is that all the recent focus on worship styles has tended to negate worship itself. Unlike the first century believers, we do not have "everything in common." We are not "in one accord." Somehow we must get back to basics and return to our worshipping roots. We must concentrate more on substance than on style. Traditional music lovers must be open to the newer forms, finding ways to embrace the good and ignore the bad. Likewise, contemporary music lovers must not close their hearts to anything traditional. They must find ways to cling to the old while exploring the new. Without this spirit of compromise, we become rigid and selfish, just the opposite of our Lord. 

Jesus embraced both old and new during his ministry. His teaching in the synagogues was fresh, even radical, but he never tried to change the format of synagogue worship. He was focused on the hearts of worshippers instead of worship style. Why can't we be the same? Why do Christians on both sides of the music debate continue to act so unlike Christ? Would a modern day Apostle Paul have to admonish us that in Jesus Christ there is no difference between traditional and contemporary? Has musical preference become something we worship, an idol, that takes our eyes off God?

Don't mistake what I am saying. I am not implying that everyone has to learn to enjoy all styles of music. Musical preference is personal, just like food preference. Just as it is impossible for us to enjoy certain types of food, it is impossible for us to enjoy all types of music. And I am not implying that the only good service is the blended service, just as I would never say that the only good meal is a blend of Mexican, Chinese, and European. What I am saying is that the focus should be on the main thing. With food, the main thing is nourishment of our bodies. With worship music, it is the nourishment of our souls. 

Today, as we gather in our churches, we must consider what is best for us and act accordingly, even if this means joyfully singing a song we don't particularly like. If one of my patients hated liquid medicines to the point that it affected his or her health adversely, I would advise that patient to consume the medicine anyway, regardless of the dislike. In the same way, if a particular worship song seems distasteful but bears a message good for our souls, the proper course is to swallow hard and sing along anyway. A mature adult knows that a medication, even one that tastes bad, must be gladly received because of its benefit to the body. A child, on the other hand, kicks and screams, concerned only about the bad taste. Are we acting as adults when it comes to worship? Do we still lift our voices during music we don't like, knowing that the words convey a message we should hear? Or do we pout and shut our mouths (and hearts) to the spirit of the song?

I am afraid that we have forgotten what is most important: the place where worship is taking us. Picture in your mind a van carrying a group of people to a particular destination. Suppose the van broke down, and the only way to get there was to catch a train. What would you think if the passengers refused, saying they do not like trains? If you could talk with them, you would tell them that the main thing is getting to where they are headed and that the van is just one of many vehicles that can serve that purpose. You would recommend they ride the train even if they prefer vans. When it comes to worship, the situation is no different. Music is the vehicle and fellowship with God the destination. If the musical style you are offered is not your favorite and you refuse of get on board, what is the result? Will you ever get to where you are going? 

Hundreds of years ago, when kings ruled Britain, a phrase was commonly used when coming into the presence of the monarch. As they bowed before the all-powerful, sovereign king, they would refer to him as Your Worthship. Gradually, the phrase evolved into the word worship, and there is no better way to define it. Worship is bowing our hearts before our King and telling Him how much He is worth. As congregations continue to sing whatever style of music they choose - be it traditional, contemporary, or a mixture of the two - they should never forget that the reason they are "congregating" is to worship their Sovereign Lord. They must focus their attention on the presence of God in their midst and, in wonder and awe, sing to Him in unison, "You are worthy!" As they do, it doesn't really matter if they are accompanied by electric guitar or pipe organ.

NEXT WEEK
Part 13 - Charity/Giving