Undermining the Sanctity of Worship
Is it appropriate for Christians to play worship songs during church services that might contradict Biblical teachings? Does God frequently find the songs we choose to sing in His honor during gatherings displeasing?
For years, I joined in with the worship team's songs, never questioning their alignment with biblical teachings. This habit of following the song selections has captivated numerous Sunday worship attendees who might not be deeply familiar with the scriptures. For more than three decades, my role as a bass guitarist spanned across three evangelical congregations. My focus was so deeply immersed in mastering my instrument that I seldom found myself singing or engaging with the lyrics.
From the tender age of fourteen until about twenty-five, I also performed in a band at various bars, where I firsthand experienced the profound impact music naturally holds over its audience. I recall observing guests at wedding receptions casually enjoying their alcoholic drinks until the moment the band began to play. Suddenly, a majority of attendees would hurriedly finish their beverages in anticipation of hitting the dance floor, while a significant number would flock to the beverage bar, which had been almost deserted just moments prior. Likewise, the moment we began the intro to our first song, the patrons appeared to magically develop an instant thirst. Frequently, the proprietors would request an additional set from us, aiming to capitalize further on their tipsy consumers.
How would a tearjerker film feel without the poignant strains of a stringed orchestra underscoring its saddest moments? Imagine a wedding ceremony during the candle lighting ritual without the accompaniment of music; would there be fewer tears shed? Music has the power to stir emotions, regardless of the setting. Research has demonstrated that incorporating music can boost audience engagement by as much as 20%. Music can also boost athletes' performance during training activities like running or weightlifting.
After I became born again, my life underwent a profound transformation, moving from playing music in bars to serving in church ministry. Despite the absence of a financial reward, the fulfillment and joy I experienced were beyond compare, especially when our worship team led the congregation. My focus was intensely on my bass guitar, and I typically did not concern myself with the lyrics of the songs, trusting that they aligned with the teachings of the Bible. A few years back, I felt a nudge from Holy Spirit to take a closer look at the lyrics of the worship songs I was playing alongside my team. It didn't take long before I was taken aback to realize that some of the songs we were presenting didn't align with Biblical teachings. This revelation was puzzling to me. Despite this, I continued with the worship team for a short while longer, until my conscience no longer allowed me to contribute to a ministry that was often guiding the congregation in singing untruths.
After we repent and welcome Christ into our lives, He embraced us fully, withholding nothing of Himself. The scripture in Colossians 2:10 illuminates this truth, stating, "In Him you have been made complete (crammed full in Greek), with Him being the head over every ruler and authority." Moreover, the assurance from Ephesians 3:19 deepens this understanding by expressing, "And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may (will) be filled with all the fullness of God." If we already encompass the entirety of God's fullness, why do numerous worship songs express desires like "Lord, I want more of You" or "Lord, I need more of You"?
In John 6:35, Jesus proclaims, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Similarly, in John 4:14, Jesus asserts, "Anyone who drinks the water I give them will never thirst again." The term "never" is used with emphasis, signifying a definitive and absolute condition, meaning 'not at any time' as explained in the Oxford dictionary. As people who are born again, it is strongly stated that we will not experience hunger or thirst for God. However, numerous song lyrics express a hunger or thirst for the Lord, or wanting more of Him. This raises a question: Why is there this sense of yearning if, according to the teachings of Jesus, accepting Him fulfills these needs? It's understood that those who have yet to find Christ might feel a hunger or thirst for God. But upon receiving Him, Jesus assures that this spiritual hunger and thirst are quenched.
I've uncovered more than thirty passages in the Bible that declare that those of us who are in Christ are not regarded as sinners. Naturally, this doesn't mean we're flawless; we might occasionally falter. However, when that happens, we are to promptly confess and repent. According to John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness." I have created a blog post that provides a comprehensive explanation of this topic. View the post here. Understanding our identity in Christ and recognizing that we are no longer defined by the label "sinners" can liberate us in profound ways, allowing the joy of the Lord to fill us completely. It's common to hear Christians describe themselves as "just sinners saved by grace." However, it's important to remember that while we were once sinners, we have been made righteous through Christ. 1 John 3:9 declares, "Anyone born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” Similarly, Psalm 1:5 states, “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” These passages, along with others found in scripture, support the notion that those born of God are not labeled sinners.
Several songs labeled as "Christian" contain lyrics that don't align with the truth. I found myself halting mid-song during a church service upon realizing the words I was singing were inaccurate. One sentence declared, “My sins they are many, His mercy is more”. Yes, God’s mercy is infinite. I would have kept singing this song if it said, “My sins they were many”. If someone professes to have been reborn yet acknowledges that they continue to sin frequently, I will find myself questioning the authenticity of their spiritual transformation. The hymn titled "Only A Sinner" has the feel of a classic hymn. Its chorus echoes, “Boasting excluded, pride I abase, I’m only a sinner saved by grace”. Encountering or listening to lyrics of such nature often leaves me feeling disheartened. The term "reckless," as defined in the dictionary is; being irresponsible or indifferent to, or, not caring about the outcome of one's actions. This misinterpretation falls short of capturing the essence of our Savior, who embodies precision and perfection in all His deeds. It raises this question: How can we voice the lyrics "Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God"? Describing His love as reckless is a blatant mischaracterization of God despite its frequent use in worship songs across the globe.
When followers come together in a communal setting to honor El Elyon, the Supreme God, what place does self-reference have in such moments? Imagine the Father, seated majestically on His throne at the forefront of the congregation. If we had the ability to voice or vocalize, what expressions could we possibly offer? In adoration before His throne, I would stand as if lifeless. I am convinced that our vocabulary in His presence would be limited to expressions like: Holy, Virtuous, Just, Noble, Immutable, Powerful, Unchanging, Mighty, King of Kings, Lord of lords, Flawless, Magnificent, Awesome, Marvelous and Wondrous, among others. When we submit ourselves, particularly in moments of profound communion and worship of God, how can our hymns contain pronouns like "I", "me", "we", or "us"? True worship is entirely focused on God, not on us! Countless worship songs with lyrics that exalt and honor our Lord and Savior have been composed. Singing songs that focus solely on worshiping our King offers a rejuvenating experience, steering us away from self-centered lyrics. Songs that revolve around our own experiences could be better suited for different venues like radio broadcasts and live concerts.
Finally, there's the perplexing use of "He" or "Him." Imagine asking a friend, "What did he do today?" The natural response would be, "Who?" If you keep asking the same question, it might start to annoy your friend, especially if you're repeatedly referring to your friend as "he." Similarly, when we are directly communicating with the Lord through worship, using phrases such as, "Isn't He wonderful?" or "Come worship Him," is likely as bewildering to God as it is in the scenario of conversing with the friend. When using pronouns like "He" or "Him" to address God directly in prayer, expressions of praise, or acts of worship, some individuals may perceive it as a sign of psychological imbalance. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to use the word "You" when directly speaking or singing to the Lord?