Today’s Reading, 1 Chronicles 6
Focal Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:32 “They ministered with song in front of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem, and they performed their task according to the regulations given to them.”
I am a little bit of a music snob, especially when it comes to Christian music. I am very opinionated on the type of music that I listen to and the type of music I believe should be played in the church setting. Now before you call me a legalist, hear me out. My issue with many Christian songs that are popular today is that they come from bad sources. My personal take is that if we wouldn’t allow the preacher to preach in our pulpits we shouldn’t allow their songs to be played in our churches. When I listen to personal songs I try to listen to songs that are sound theologically.
I want to add here that if you personally want to listen to certain songs that is between you and the Lord. I only get riled up when music in church becomes more of a concert and talent show instead of making much of Jesus. When the church gathers to worship everything that is done should bring glory to God. The songs should be God focused. The preaching should be God centric. The prayers should declare Gods goodness. Everything should be viewed as a ministry.
In today’s reading we see that music was used to minister in front of the tabernacle where Gods presence dwelt. They had limitations and they had a purpose. Music was seen as an act of worship not just an act to perform. They understood who they worshipped in front of because his glory was present.
I wonder if our song choices would change in our personal life and corporate life if we truly believed that God’s presence was with us during those times. I can tell you I have seen large churches, small churches and praise teams make much of Jesus when they sing. I have also seen the opposite where these groups make music a platform for their talent and not a ministry for the Lord.
This can be easily detected by listening to the songs that are used and watching if others are allowed to worship with the group besides the normal people.
The challenge we have as believers is to understand that Christian music is not supposed to be about us at all. Christian music is supposed to be all about God. He is the one who should be the focus of the music sung. If any song makes more of us or our needs it is not God worship. It is self worship.
I know this topic makes people go crazy but understand the heart behind what is being said. If you personally want to listen to music go for it but always ask is the music God focused or self focused.
After all what we listen to really does have a major impact on our hearts and minds.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Chronicles 7-8
