Some people show up late to church because they figure, “It’s no big deal if I just miss the singing.” Yet singing’s been part of biblical faith from the earliest times. “But I don’t like to sing.” OK, but God likes for you to sing (Ps. 147:1). “I don’t sing well.” A parent loves to hear a child sing, no matter how off-key. So we can all “make a joyful noise” for our Father (Ps. 95:1-2). Think about why we sing “Happy Birthday.” Don’t we do it to affirm the person we love? It’s a relational thing. We’re not singing because we sound good. The person feels simply honored by your song.
Some show up to a church auditorium like ours & think that because it looks like a place where entertainment takes place–with a stage, screens, lights, & a band–we’re here to be entertained. They slip into “audience mode,” silently watching the performers on the platform. Some even begin to think of themselves as judges, as if God’s called them to be the Simon Cowells of the church. But actually, there’s only one audience & one judge–God. Those on the platform are only there to help you perform for Him.
At one church, someone complained to a leader, “I didn’t really get anything out of worship today.” He responded, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware the worship was for you.” So what kind of music does God prefer? He never does say, but Psalm 150 commands the use of various instruments available 3,000 years ago, which makes clear that God enjoys variety.
The Church has always been adapting the musical styles of its current culture. Martin Luther in the 1500s borrowed the melody for the classic hymn “A Mighty Fortress is our God” from the tavern music of his time. Music isn’t “secular” or “sacred”-–what matters is if the words honor or teach about God. Because music is a subjective medium, everyone has their own opinions, tastes, & traditions–what one person loves, another hates, & it’s impossible to please everyone. God’s concern is what’s in our hearts whether we’re singing psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs (Col. 3:16). There’s just an electric spiritual dynamic when you walk into a room filled with people pouring out their hearts to God through singing instead of just ritualistically mouthing empty words or even staying silent.
It seems people used to cling to the same style of music for decades, even centuries. But never has music changed so drastically & quickly as it has over the last century or so. Just because some songs are old doesn’t make them good or bad. There are some great old hymns we still love, but there are some bad ones with poor theology & maudlin sentimentality. There are some great new songs, but there are some that should go away because of bad theology, sappiness, or repetitiveness (“7/11” songs that use the same 7 words 11 times). Still, others can be too complex or challenging for regular people to sing well, so those will inevitably fade away.
It used to be more of a generational tension as the younger generation disliked traditional music, while the older generation disliked newer music. But now, musical preferences shift so quickly (often due to the Christian music industry’s constant output of product), that even what was popular a couple of years ago no longer is. Much of what we’re singing in church today will be forgotten by next year. I wonder what songs will be considered “classics” a decade from now?
A while back, I heard about an older lady who was asked if she liked her church’s contemporary music. She replied, “Not really. But you know, those songs aren’t for me—they’re for the younger people who need Jesus.” That’s a great perspective. My grandma was like that too. Sadly, there are people who care more about whether the music is enjoyable than whether the truth is being preached or disciples are being made.
We sing to God, but we also sing for one another because Scripture tells us to address one another with song (Eph. 5:19, 1 Cor. 14:26). In fact, much of the point of gathering on Sunday is not to worship God (which you can do all the time), but to encourage one another (Heb. 10:25). So wouldn’t it be best if we were able to demonstrate unity by appreciating the diversity of musical styles? We can all show love by singing together, whether we like every song or not (I certainly don’t!). That takes spiritual maturity & a high tolerance level. Even as it is communally binding as we join in the National Anthem or our alma mater’s fight song, how much more so when we sing together, declaring our faith, teaching & edifying all who are present.
Yet, singing can be personally uplifting too–a by-product of lifting up the Lord. “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 5:13). Songs are a powerful force to move, energize, or soothe you. They can shift your moods, trigger your memories, & express feelings that would sound strange if only spoken. If you fold your arms on Sunday & refuse to sing, not only may you be missing out on a blessing, but haven’t you made it about you, instead of God & others? As in all things, you find J.O.Y. by putting Jesus first, Others second, & You third.