Music Styles

I was reading these verses this morning from Ephesians 5

"15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I noticed Paul tells us to sing but he doesn't say how. That led me to thinking about music styles.

At Dyer, we have 2 services. One traditional and the other contemporary. I am privileged to lead them both, but they are very different. The folks who like hymns go to the first and those who like contemporary, go the 2nd.

God is so wise in not setting a style all mankind is to use. He's left that to us.

Here's why I believe that is so.

Cultures all over the world have their own music and their own styles. And they incorporate those styles into their praise music. It moves their hearts and stirs their souls like ours moves us. We may not be into theirs. They may not be into ours. But God is neutral.

And I'm really glad He is neutral. I'm really thankful He didn't tell us to sing only chants or use only flutes or harps or whatever. He didn't. He hasn't. And His silence speaks volumes.

I know that's hard to believe, but He really is neutral.
If He weren't He'd say so.

When God told the people in the old testament how to build the tabernacle, He was very specific in how it was to be built. Right down to the tassels on the priest's garments. All the rituals were laid out to the smallest detail. But He said nothing about the style of music and praises sung.

I love blues based rock 'n roll worship... and that's OK with God. (And I will continue to love you even if you don't.) Whatever you like, go with it and sing your heart out to the Lord. Who knows, God might even accept Opera praise (that may be a stretch).

RP