In Part 1 of "What To Look For In A Worship Song," we looked at the gift of music we humans have been given by God for God. Music is an extremely significant part of our lives, and every single culture on this earth has some kind of music that helps define it—we cannot get away from music, and that's a good thing! God expects us to use music for His glory, and these articles are an attempt to help you discern how to best do that by providing helpful guides in selecting music for worship.
We established in Part 1 that there is a difference between music for listening and music for worshipping God. Being able to discern what kind of music is best for worshipping Him is of the utmost importance, as it is through music that many people choose to worship God in their lives. Some even equate music with worship, although this is an uninformed belief, for there are many ways to worship God. Either way, music used for worshipping God should exhibit certain qualities—some qualities that are not always present in listening music.
So far, the criteria set for selecting a song for worship, especially in a congregational praise and worship setting, are: 1.) Songs for worship should be sung to God; 2.) Songs for worship should be about God; and 3.) Songs for worship should exhort others to praise and worship God. Below, I present a few more characteristics and qualities that should be present in the songs we use for worshipping our God.
4.) Songs For Worship Should Exalt Christ
It was not an accident that God sent His Son to earth to die for our sins and be raised back to life. It was not an accident that He would proceed from the line of David, a King. It was not an accident that Paul said, "God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).
Jesus is to be exalted; Jesus is to be worshipped...because Jesus is God! Therefore, the songs we use for worship should exalt the name of Jesus. Songs for praise and worship should tell of the love, work, and status of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus made it possible for us to have a personal relationship with the God of the universe, with our Creator, so our songs should extol His name whenever possible. The Gospel of Jesus Christ should be present in some way, shape, or form in our worship services—even in the music.
5.) Songs For Worship Should Be Theologically Sound
Now this is where things get interesting. Theology: the study of God. Whether you realize it or not, every Christian is a theologian; you are a theologian. People, therefore, are either good theologians or bad theologians. When bad theologians write music, guess what we get: bad "Christian" music. We must pay attention to the theology being taught through the music we listen to and—even more—use at our church services. I cannot overstate this point.
It was the philosopher Plato who said, "Give me the songs of a nation, and it matters not who writes its laws." We could change Plato's insight to hypothesize what Satan might say, "Give me the songs of the Church, and it matters not who wrote the Law (i.e., the Bible)." If you think that Satan would not use music–and, yes, even "Christian" music–to theologically confuse Christians, think again. Satan knows how powerful music is, and if he can use it against God and us, he will.
The only way to be able to discern if praise and worship music is theologically sound is to know your Bible. There simply is no way around this. Unless you know your pastor and worship leader review all of the songs being used in the worship services (assuming they are theologically sound themselves), then you must examine the songs being used...for yourself and your family's sake. Remember, music was instrumental in the spread of the Reformation; people were taught the Word of God through music! What are you being taught through your church's music?
6.) Songs For Worship Should Exhibit A Certain Reverence
Reverence. What does it mean? According to the dictionary, reverence means: deep respect for someone or something. Does the music being used in your church service display a reverence for God, or does it sound a bit too much like the worldly, irreverential music one hears in the secular radio? Now, am I saying that music has a moral aspect to it? In a sense, yes, but many would disagree and assert that music is amoral; that is, that music is neither good nor bad. I am not thoroughly convinced either way, but I lean towards music having at least some moral aspect to it.
If we consider music to be an art and, therefore, a vehicle by which humans express themselves, then I can pose some questions that should make you think. Take dancing, another art form, for example: Are certain kinds of dancing ungodly and/or irreverential? Are certain expressions through movement not "good"? Surely you can concede that certain movements are exotic or sensual and should probably not be used by a holy people in a church setting (some moves are better performed in private). Therefore, I believe there are certain types of musical styles that should not be used in the church either—at least not for worshipping the Lord.
To be sure, I believe God is not as interested in the style of the music than He is about its lyric content, but we should still be careful as to which kinds of musical styles are represented in our church worship services—even if only because of the cultural associations tied to that particular style (for example: rap, hip-hop, heavy metal rock, reggaeton). I have a hard time believing that the angels up in heaven are singing and dancing to God in the style of reggaeton, which, in our society, is associated with lewdness! And I do not believe we will be "breaking it down" up in heaven as we sing to the Lord.
Certainly, God can redeem a popular style of music for Himself (as He does and will all things), so that a culture need not look elsewhere for good (and by "good" I mean tasteful and enjoyable) music to use in church. But even within cultures, there are various styles of music that would better lend themselves to be used for worshipping God than others. And, it is true that for one culture, a certain style of music would not have the negative associations that it has for another, so a degree of discernment and freedom is permitted—but a truthful and informed decision needs to be made in each case.
Reflections
The point is, when selecting songs to use for praising and worshipping the Lord in the church–and even at home–songs that exalt Christ, are theologically faithful, and demonstrate a reverence for God through lyrics and style are to be sought and used, along with all the other qualities listed in Part 1. Many song styles do nothing but distract the people of God; and many songs detract the participant and listener of their sense of awe and respect for God...even unconsciously.
If you find yourself wondering who you just sang a song to at church, or what a certain song was even about, or whether Jesus was exalted, and if you find yourself confused about what a song taught or implied, or thinking negative thoughts because of a music style's cultural association, consider how to go about making your concerns heard within the leadership of your church. If, when listening to a particular style of music, you find yourself wanting to move or dance in irreverential ways, and it causes you to sin, "cut it off" from your life..."cut it off" from among you.
May your view of praise and worship be changed for the good, and may you be more aware of God's presence in your life as you seek to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Sing to the Lord a new song! His Name be forever praised. Amen.
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