A Song in the Air
If you accidentally read my writings from time to time, you have noticed that I use the trappings of pop culture in my prose. By that, I mean I often use snippets of songs, movies or slang in the titles and texts of my own writings. One reason for this is to encourage readership. People are more likely to show interest in items which resonate with familiar things. Another is to bring serious issues to bear through levity.
I like music- always have. My tastes have changed a little over the years but have remained remarkably stable in many areas. Though I don’t have knowledge or experience in many areas, I am generally acquainted with current events and the identity of the sexiest man alive. While believers are unwise to be divorced from the culture, they should be careful of becoming entrenched. There’s an appropriate association which is not affirmation.
Church music has been hotly debated. At issue have been the concerns of whether a particular style of music is appropriate for church services and whether any type music can be used to effectively communicate the gospel and its concerns. These questions are necessarily bound to the times as perceptions change with passing years. The character of songwriters may also be important but hard to verify.
We frequently sing the songs of Old Hank in church services and don’t seem to relate their usage to approval of the Hillbilly Shakespeare’s lifestyle, but this concern is often raised when we mention religious or quasi-religious songs written or performed by more contemporary hard-livers.
It’s a slippery subject. Perhaps, we should leave it to conscience, but the lack of Christian distinctives is a scourge in our times. Still, we all like to tap our toes and hum along to catchy tunes. David praised God after the fashion of his day, and we will do the same. While not affirming or denying particular methods, we must remember to picture God and ourselves appropriately on stage and in verse.
Character and content contribute to our conclusions concerning what we confirm or count out. The writer of a melody may be an unbeliever or a fallen saint, yet the God Who controls all things can still use his or her tools to bring glory to Him. Paul said that even dishonest preaching of the gospel was preferable to no gospel at all. The truth of the written may be more the heart of the matter. God can make rocks shout and sing.
We will give account to God for every spoken word. Surely singing is a form of speech. Let’s remember that our words console and condemn us. When we sing to God in worship, we should use care that we lift up holy hands. If the purpose of sacred song is entertainment, it may be misappropriated endeavor. Sometimes, I wonder if performances of songs invoking the things of God reflect the seriousness of the concern.
Sing and sing loud. Alone or along, give it your best shot. Singing in unison is always good whether all or any of the group are trained as vocalists. Who wrote what may have some importance, but who sings whatever is more so. God will get glory as He always does regardless of our faulty attempts at praise.
Let me encourage you to throw back your head and let it fly. Everyone sings at Christmas.
Sterl
