NIT-PICKING FORMS OF WORSHIP
"Our fathers worshipped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." John 4:20
The woman from Samaria took Jesus on some detours during their time together. One was on the subject of worship. Samaritans held the belief that the divinely ordered place to worship was on the top of Mt. Gerazim. The Jews believed it was Jerusalem. Jesus not only corrected her misconception about the standing of the Jews, and Jerusalem, but directed the conversation to a much deeper issue, that of the heart. He would tell her, "The time has come that those who worship me must worship me in spirit and in truth." The place would be immaterial but the heart must be right.
Nit-picking places and forms of worship still dominate many Christian circles. Last weekend in Rhode Island, someone at our prayer event approached me with a concern about styles of music and what was acceptable before the Father.
Each artist who leads in worship is responsible spiritually for their craft. Whether a classical musician, a jazz musician, or a rock musician, the burden is the same. Heart preparation and responsible artistic expression with the Word of God is our goal. Seeking His face, each of us must cry out, "I hold Your truth in my hands. In what musical environment can this best be showcased? Show me, guide me, anoint my efforts as I desire to treat Your Word with integrity."
Drums and electric guitars have seized the attention of so many who struggle with current forms of worship. But I must say that I struggle through many other forms of worship, even a single vocal line against the backdrop of a piano. If the artist is all about showcasing himself, it's evident no matter what style he presents. Any self-centered agenda goes against the grain of the Spirit. Any reckless arranging of the Word against an inappropriate musical backdrop quenches the work of God in the hearts of His worshippers.
If you are a worship leader, as I am, know that we are called to great accountability. Others are in our care as we take them to the throne room to bow before their God. Do we facilitate that in a way that honors God? Do the lyrics take priority over the arrangement? Is the message being showcased above all? Instrumentation must be the servant of the Word and while there are no hard and fast rules for things like keyboards, drums, and whether an acoustic guitar is more holy than an electric one, the burden of proof lies with the worship leader on how to assemble the many pieces in order to glorify God.
Sanctify the hearts of your worship leaders. Bring us to know Your mind, Your Spirit, regarding forms of worship, Lord. As we put instruments together and pick tempos, keys, and how to express the texts, show us how You would do it to showcase Your glory. Amen
