I love music. Without a doubt, the combination of lyric and melody is one of my favorite art forms in all the world.
But I’ve had a lingering question that has been in my mind as it relates to corporate worship.
Are we singing too many songs? And does the singing of songs eventually have an adverse effect on our hearts?
Songs are everywhere in the life of a Christian.
We sing on Sunday.
We sing at midweek services.
We sing along with Klove on our commute and everywhere in between.
I know we need to worship…but have we neglected the true purpose of our singing? Have we become numb to the effect singing is supposed to have on our hearts?
Is Singing the Problem?
We may be singing songs in worship…but do we know how to pray in the secret place?
We may know the latest worship hits…but are we speaking to one another in Psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs?
We can sing…but do we know God’s Word more than the latest Kari Jobe album?
As I look at my own life, I fear sometimes that I do too much singing and not enough of other disciplines that are healthy for my heart in God.
Of course, singing isn’t the problem. We are commanded to sing. The Scriptures are full of exhortations to sing:
- Judges 5:3 – “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the Lord I will sing; I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
- I Chronicles 16:9 – “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”
- Psalm 21:13 – “Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.”
There is no shortage of singing in the Scriptures.
So what is the problem?
Singing Instead of Surrender
Singing cannot replace other spiritual disciplines.
Songs are no substitute for true surrender.
And these disciplines need to be taught.
It’s no surprise that we live in a post-Christian society. The people in our churches don’t know what to do. We can’t assume they know about such spiritual disciplines of contemplative prayer, Bible reading, Scripture memorization, and worship.
If we don’t teach them, the extent of their development will be the worship songs we sing – which just isn’t enough for a true disciple of Jesus.
Let me illustrate by pointing a finger at myself. I’m wondering:
- Am I in regular contact with the Word of God, so that its truth informs my worldview and manner of life?
- Do I have regular times where I cry out to God in prayer, so that I live in the reality that I need God?
- Am I meeting regularly with people to spur them on to love and good works?
- When was the last time I shared the Gospel with an unbeliever?
Or am I simply…singing?
I’d love to hear from you. What is the answer? To sing less and teach more? Should we be finding more creative ways to worship corporately? Are we over-emphasizing songs in worship? You can leave a comment by clicking here, which you should!
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
Singing cannot replace other spiritual disciplines. – like that part. Good article!
It sounds like common sense, doesn’t it? But I can so often listen to worship music and sing songs at the expense of other areas of obedience.
Really good article. Like you, I love singing. I wouldn’t be helping to lead worship at my church if I didn’t. Earlier this year, my pastor did a series of sermons on the spiritual gifts and disciplines. He used Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” as part of the framework for the spiritual disciplines. I had never heard of, let alone read, it, so I bought the book and slowly worked my way through it. Honestly, I’m not very good at them. Even the chapter on Worship challenged me. Your post is another reminder that I need to do more than just sing, that I need to work on more than just my music. Thank you for writing this.
So true, Josh. I’m with ya. That is such a great book you are reading. As a worship leader, I’m glad you’re diving into it. It will make you a more compassionate, stronger worship leader for sure. Thanks Josh!
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