I like the way Robert J. Morgan explains the differences between the types of singing that Paul lists:
"We're to sing out God's Word in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Psalms are Bible-based praises that are solid, deep, echoing the words of Scripture (especially the book of Psalms). Hymns are rich and sturdy songs that stand the test of time. Spiritual songs are lighter, livelier expressions of our faith and worship."
I'm not sure why churches seem to select one of the three forms and not be able to incorporate all into worship. I love the hymns of old and I love much of the contemporary praise music. There is merit to both and I think God loves hearing all styles of praise reaching His ears. One style does not have to preclude the use of another. But it seems that we have divided our worship into either solidly traditional or completely contemporary. The church I attend has one "blended" service, which I think does a very good job of pulling old and new together; the other three services are contemporary. But whichever style you prefer, Paul does tell us that worship includes singing...so sing!
Our worship should also include thanksgiving...expressing our gratitude to our God for all He has done for us as His children. I don't think you can be truly worshipping God without feeling this deep sense of thankfulness for who He is, for what He has done, and for His promises yet to be fulfilled. He is worthy of all of our gratitude...expression of that recognition has to be an integral part of true worship.
I also really appreciate the way Morgan closes out his thoughts on this verse:
"Worship should engage both mind and emotions. Colossians 3:16 tells us to admonish with all wisdom (our minds) and to sing with our hearts (our emotions). This recalls our Lord's words in John 4, that God desires us to worship Him in spirit and in truth."
Just as it seems that some churches seem to narrow their worship to one style, it also seems that churches often focus on one of the above elements over the other. There are some churches that are highly intellectual but lack any emotion, while others are highly emotional without a good base of Biblical teaching and wisdom. Seems to me that God is always trying to get us to see that balance is good for us in almost every area of our lives - and our worship of Him is to be balanced as well. We need to feel His Spirit alive and active in our worship services and we should be moved, but our emotions can't be the only thing at work while we worship --- our brains and minds have to be focused on God, and we have to be seeking His truth, not just want makes us feel good. In fact, worship, at times, should be painfully convicting.
Sing - any way that glorifies God!
Thank - our Lord for all He is!
Think - about Him, about His Word, and apply it to your life!
Feel - His Spirit within you, prompting you to change, or to action!
Worship God! He is worthy!
"We're to sing out God's Word in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Psalms are Bible-based praises that are solid, deep, echoing the words of Scripture (especially the book of Psalms). Hymns are rich and sturdy songs that stand the test of time. Spiritual songs are lighter, livelier expressions of our faith and worship."
I'm not sure why churches seem to select one of the three forms and not be able to incorporate all into worship. I love the hymns of old and I love much of the contemporary praise music. There is merit to both and I think God loves hearing all styles of praise reaching His ears. One style does not have to preclude the use of another. But it seems that we have divided our worship into either solidly traditional or completely contemporary. The church I attend has one "blended" service, which I think does a very good job of pulling old and new together; the other three services are contemporary. But whichever style you prefer, Paul does tell us that worship includes singing...so sing!
Our worship should also include thanksgiving...expressing our gratitude to our God for all He has done for us as His children. I don't think you can be truly worshipping God without feeling this deep sense of thankfulness for who He is, for what He has done, and for His promises yet to be fulfilled. He is worthy of all of our gratitude...expression of that recognition has to be an integral part of true worship.
I also really appreciate the way Morgan closes out his thoughts on this verse:
"Worship should engage both mind and emotions. Colossians 3:16 tells us to admonish with all wisdom (our minds) and to sing with our hearts (our emotions). This recalls our Lord's words in John 4, that God desires us to worship Him in spirit and in truth."
Just as it seems that some churches seem to narrow their worship to one style, it also seems that churches often focus on one of the above elements over the other. There are some churches that are highly intellectual but lack any emotion, while others are highly emotional without a good base of Biblical teaching and wisdom. Seems to me that God is always trying to get us to see that balance is good for us in almost every area of our lives - and our worship of Him is to be balanced as well. We need to feel His Spirit alive and active in our worship services and we should be moved, but our emotions can't be the only thing at work while we worship --- our brains and minds have to be focused on God, and we have to be seeking His truth, not just want makes us feel good. In fact, worship, at times, should be painfully convicting.
Sing - any way that glorifies God!
Thank - our Lord for all He is!
Think - about Him, about His Word, and apply it to your life!
Feel - His Spirit within you, prompting you to change, or to action!
Worship God! He is worthy!
1 comment:
I must admit that I am partial to the older hymns. I love their melodies. I watched a movie this weekend and the song, He Walks with Me and Talks with Me, was played. I get so emotional when I hear and sing the older hymns. I always feel an emotional tug on my heart strings and I seem to feel His presence along side me. I am glad the new praise songs are sung and are able to reach those that prefer to sing and worship in that manner. As long as we praise and glorify God in anyway that we choose (or sometimes tolerate) we will always be in His favor.
Post a Comment