Oh How We Worship

Scripture: "The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed." 2 Chronicles 29:28

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2

It's interesting to me how diversified we, in the Christian community, can be regarding worship on Sunday mornings. There are those that enjoy quiet, somber, traditional services. There are those who have a choir up front, leading the music, and yet, other churches have full piece bands with drums and electric guitars. Some churches allow their members to stand up and raise their hands and sing, while others are less demonstrative.

I bring up this topic because I was in my truck a few days ago, listening to a new CD I bought at a recent concert I attended. The band is named "Bread of Stone", and my favorite song is hard driving, drum pounding, powerful song called "I want". The chorus goes, "I want to, I need to - be with You some day ..." This is a Christian rock band singing about living life in such a way as to one day be able to come face to face with God in heaven one day.

All the way to work I sang at the top of my lungs, music blasting to a point where I'm sure the entire frame was vibrating, and I was playing "air drums" against my steering wheel. And this was my personal way of entering into worship with the Lord.

It made me reflect, later, on how churches are divided over the kind of music played during Sunday services. Some enjoy hymns, others rock-like music, others, a choir. I believe God not only enjoys the diverse ways in which people worship Him around the world, but if you think about it, He created such diversity!!

I have been criticized for not "getting into worship" with a softer sound. I was once told, "It shouldn't matter what style of music it is. It isn't about you, anyway. It's about GOD."

I could see this person's point of view to some extent. But I believe the music we worship the Lord with is truly personal preference.

We don't all enjoy the same version of the bible. We all get something out of whatever version is most comfortable to us. I don't believe there is a "right" or "wrong" version. Worship music is similar in that way. Hymns don't necessarily take me to that place where I feel closer to God. For me, percussion has always been my passion. As a young child, the good beat of a song would always catch my attention. I have also often been moved by the lyrics of certain songs, and even classical music and most notably, piano music.

In the movie, "Man Without a Face", there is a scene where Mel Gibson is listening to an Italian opera singer, and I was so moved by that piece that I bought the sound track and listened to that piece over and over. I have no idea what the words are - but I was enthralled with the resonating voice, the instruments, and the building crescendo that moved my emotions right along with it.

These days, I have met God in worship through all kinds of music. But to be told, "It shouldn't matter what style of (worship) music you listen to" felt like cold water on my spirit. Maybe I'm wrong, but for me, it does matter. It doesn't always have to be rock music. I've heard plenty of soft, yet powerful, meaningful ballads that have drawn me to tears or dropped me to my knees in worship. But how I meet God with a heart of worship is an extremely personal matter, as it is for each one of us.

The diversity of Christian music is exciting to me. In 20 years, I've watched Christian music evolve to include heavy metal, jazz, ska, hip hop, even punk. There is a relatively new band that has come out called Group One Crew, and it is disheartening that they are catching flak from some people because they are a Christian hip-hop band. On the internet, there are a group of people who think such a genre of music should not be called "Christian".

How sad.

It is important not to compromise in your walk or conform to the ways of the world. However, if you can reach others through a new style of music, an exciting new book or a brand new version of the bible to reach kids of the next generation for Christ, I say do it. All we can do is throw out a net. We can't reach all of them. But even if just a few kids come to know Christ through a new form of media that they are already familiar with, but with a Christian message - I don't see the down side of that.

Prayer: Lord, help us to come to You with a heart of worship, and be open to the diversity around us. Help us to draw the younger generations to You in whatever way You lead us, but help us to be discerning and wise, always remain close to You.

Prayer request: Pray for the wisdom and ability to reach those younger than we are, to show the light of the Lord to those who do not know Him yet. Pray for doors of opportunity to swing open for us to share Christ with others.