"Sing A New Song"

A while back I had a poll on my blog on the right hand panel, and 1/3 of the votes were for 'My Interpretations.' So, I decided to write a post concerning the issue of music in the church.

The subject of music in the church is an important factor. What kind of music should be allowed in the worship service? And what about musical instruments?

My biggest remonstration is that we can have guitars/violins/flutes/trumpets on a praise evening during the week, but not accompanying the Sunday worship services. Organ and piano are the only two instruments approved to accompany the congregational singing on Sunday's. But why? What is it that makes a piano and an organ permissible and not a guitar or violin, other than maybe some peoples preferences? After all, a piano has strings, doesn’t it? The main difference is that instead of strumming the wires, you press a key which raises the whippen, connected to the jack, which in turn pushes the hammer butt up against the string, hence generating sound!

Let’s take a look at Psalm 150. ‘Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the lute and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with the loud cymbals: praise Him with the clashing cymbals. Let every thing that has breath praise the Lord.’

Note that this verse mentions ‘sanctuary’ and also the names of a wide assortment of instruments. What are we supposed to make of that? That God disproves of instruments other than the piano and organ? Personally, I don’t think so. Yes we do have to watch our reasons why we would want an instrument like a guitar or violin to accompany the worship service. It should not be for the elevation of the performer, but to add to the spirit of worship to the glory of God, which ultimately is our goal, isn't it? Psalm 100:1-2 says "Make a joyful shout to the Lord all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing!" We need to take a step forward, out of the old traditions and be somewhat open-minded at least!

And then there is the topic of music itself. Why are we not allowed to sing anything other than the hymns out of the Psalter Hymnal? Don’t get me wrong…the hymns have some deep meaning, but why not sing them in language we can understand? (In other words, today’s English) And how about singing them to tunes that will commence a vibe, get us excited about worshipping God? I don't think God wants us to be melancholy while worshiping Him, and I find that many of the tunes are precisely that; even mundane. Personally I can not get excited about singing them. Many of the tunes are slow, monotonous, and written in a minor key. (Not that I have anything against minor songs :-) It’s just the way they are written) Even some syncopation in the rhythms would help, rather than it just being 'chord/chord/chord!' Back to Psalm 150, it says ‘praise Him with the timbrel and dance.’ It says to dance! I am under the impression that we allowed, expected more like, to be excited, exuberant while worshiping God, rather than being subtle or reserved! Yes we are to reverence His name, but we are also called to come into His house with joy!

I think what is really lacking the most is the excitement and enthusiasm in our worship. It is close to non-existent, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being excited while worshiping our God! In-fact, that is what He wants! Whole-hearted worship! In my opinion, we should not be so legalistic about the instruments that accompany the worship service, and also the music. Nothing makes a piano right and not a guitar! Yes there are limits, but we aren’t pushing for the extreme! Once again, it is tradition that holds us back! Because why would they be permitted at a praise evening, and not on a Sunday? Look at Psalm 33:3, "Sing to Him a new song: Play skilfully with a shout of joy!"

I can totally understand that they do not want to cater to the desires of the people, because ultimately we are worshiping God. But still, I do not understand why a piano or organ is deemed fit for the worship service, but not a guitar, or any other instrument for that matter. 2 Samuel 6:5 reads: "Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the Lord on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals." According to these biblical references, we are NOT limited to only the piano and organ! No where does God tell us which instruments we are limited to using, or that we are limited at all!

Yes, we certainly do need to consider the elderly, but what about the generations to come? What about my generation? If the reason for bringing a change about is for the glory and praise of God, then why not? It is a big, but extremely imperative issue that should not be shoved off or be taken flippantly. We need to stop being so wedged in our resolute customs, come out of our sphere and face reality! That is my opinion…now let’s hear yours! Feedback please!