It's Not About You

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Colossians 3:16 NLT

Music has changed so much in your lifetime...  No matter your age, there has been enough transition that you more than likely have a preference. I'm not just referring to worship music but to all genres. Think about the drastic changes in the world over the last 80 years, from crooners like Bing Crosby to rappers such as Lil Nas X. 

I think there is even more controversy over the changes in worship music, and there is definitely much more heated conversation. While the world just seems to accept whatever comes along in the way of music, the body of Christ has very specific ideas about what is and what is not Christian music. If the artists don't look the way we think they should look or the music doesn't sound like we think it should, it's labeled inappropriate for our praise and worship services. 

A few years back, Chad Napier wrote an article for Christianity.com about the different types of music for the church. One thing he wrote really stuck out to me. It was in Matthew 14, where Peter walked on the water. The disciples were in a storm, it was dark and scary and they did not recognize anything about Jesus as He came walking toward them - not His walk, His face, or any of His normally recognizable traits... until they heard His voice. And that was the main point. The message of the music, at first, might be unrecognizable, but listen to its voice. 

If the song carries the message of Jesus Christ, who are we to say it is inappropriate? If we can look across the crowd and see people surrendered to worshiping Christ... isn't that the objective?  If the music is not your favorite flavor, stay in an attitude of worship and prayer and do not bring discord into the service. According to Psalm 149:5b NLT, you can find your joy in praise at home - Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds.

The main thing to remember about Worship is that Jesus is the main thing about worship. It's not about you. It's always about Him.

Prayer:

Father,

           Forgive us when we try to make it about us. It's never to be about us - it's always about You. You alone are worthy to be praised from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Your Name is to be praised. Open our spiritual eyes and ears to be in tune with You so that we are able to teach and counsel each other with the wisdom You give to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen