Within the Church there is a growing debate and I seem to be in the middle of it constantly. The subject in which I speak of is music. Musical styles have long been debated throughout history in the Church, in so much that Churches have decided to split over the issue. As much as we love our music in all its forms I believe Satan has had his way with us in this area. His objective has been how can I divide the body of Christ and through what means can I accomplish this goal. In an effort to resolve this matter we have created several denominations who differ on ways to musically better express their worship. This has only deepened the division in the Church.
The popular question in this debate is what instruments are best to worship God? Why don't we say what instruments do we prefer because that’s really what is meant? Do we use guitars, pianos, organs, drums or accordions? Some denominations have decided to drop instruments all together because the cost of division is too great; others have decided to use as many instruments as possible to worship God in all His glory and others have moved to using worship bands to praise the Lord. My goal is not to promote any style of music but to promote Christ and His gift of salvation. Music has been a tool to worship God throughout the ages and instead we have turned it into a tool to go to war with others who have different tastes then our own. What started in the Psalms as a cry for help from God's people has become just that... a cry about any number of things regarding instruments and styles of worship of our God. Musical worship has become self-centered rather then God-centered. What can I get out of it rather than what can I offer up to the thrown room and to the lover of my soul. In essence that is what we say when we walk into a new Church and decide not to attend a second time because of musical taste. We must get to the point were we can walk into any Christian Church (no matter what denomination) and worship God because He is good. Because God is God no matter what style of music you like... He's still God is He not? He still saves His people by His mercy and grace. Musical worship is thanking God for what He has done for us and expecting nothing in return. It’s our offering to God. We want Him to get the praise alone, not the praise band or musicians on stage. They should be transparent along with the instruments they play. The music itself is simply a vehicle to worship the living God, a way of expressing gratitude and thanks. Not the only way, but a way.
The instruments we use, are they not tools to worship a Holy God? I contest our focus should not be on instruments but on Him who is the instrument of Life. If our focus comes to be on the drums and their loudness we have become distracted by Satan and his schemes. Those who say drums are of the devil are fooled; it’s not the drums but what you personally associate with those drums. You may associate drums with secular rock and roll, but still the instrument itself is not evil. It is hard to separate the secular and spiritual when it comes to music, but we must. We must get over the fact that the world uses the same instruments we us when we worship God. Remember to instead see them as instruments of praise to our loving Father.
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There has to be a balance here though. When we enter a church and engage in worship, you are correct in saying that regardless of the style, number of instruments, length of time, etc. we can and should worship God. God is good regardless of the method of praise. However, I do believe that people are different and it's okay that we connect to God in different ways. (I'm referring to the part where you said "In essence that is what we say when we walk into a new Church and decide not to attend a second time because of musical taste.")
The worship style at my church uses a ton of instruments and a very contemporary style of worship. I love it. But I know that the Baptitst church down the street has a much different style of worship. And that is cool with me. If I attended there one Sunday, I could definitely be a part of the worship and give honor to God. But would I choose to attend there every Sunday? Probably not. This doesn't mean that I think their worship service is inferior. It just means that the style of music at my church helps me get to a place where I can connect with God on a deeper level.
It's like this, I love raw oysters. Laurie loves steamed shrimp. When we go down to Maryland for seafood, I order the oysters and she orders the shrimp. We both end up full and talk about how great the food was but we ate two different things. I see churches the same way. While I may connect with the worship, style of ministry, people etc. at one church and someone else may connect at another church, we both end up full at the end of the day. So, I'm not saying you make your decision about where to worship simply according to what you want. Our first focus should be following God to wherever he would call us. But, I often fail to hear a direct word from God on where to go or what to do, so I pray about it and make a decision based on where I feel like I can be best used by God.
So, I definitely think that you are right when you say that our worship should be God-focused and not me-focused. But, I also feel like it is okay for believers to find a church home that allows them to connect to God in the way that God made them.
Like a stubborn heifer,
Matt Boyer
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