Teach The World To Sing

Can we for a minute set down and think how odd it is that we sing in church?

Don’t get me wrong. We like singing. Vocal music is a big part of our world. But I say for most folks, that they don’t think of themselves as a singer, at least not in a public way. We might belt one out in the shower or alone in the car, but we are not about to subject a group to our voices.

So why is it the Lord command us ALL to sing in the assembly?

If you look at commands to sing in the New Testament (Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians3:16) they emphasize the idea of singing to ‘one another". It is a group effect rather than a solo effort. There is something unifying about a group of different voices coming together in song. All the voices are unique yet they unite in one song

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

That is why the modern trends in worship music are so problematic. The focus is more on inspiration rather than participation. We want to be entertained more than we are edifying. Singing is meant to pull the entire church into one voice, not to isolate one voice to the church.

It doesn’t matter what your voice sounds like on its own, when the church gathers together and lifts up praises to God in harmony, it is a beautiful thing to God. They are functioning like a body, each part working in one purpose for the whole. Not Me but Us.

Singing in harmony. It’s good for the church.

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