Music has been a source of controversy among many denominations for decades. Modern versus contemporary preferences, a live full band versus a simple piano, choruses versus hymns. But more than the music, what I want to talk about is worship itself.
What is worship, and is that what we’re really doing in church today?
By definition, worship is “the expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.” So, by that definition, we are worshiping every time we think of God and our love for him. Every time we focus our thoughts on His mercy. Every time we whisper “thank you for the cross.” Every time we come to Him in our dependence.
None of that has anything to do with music. It’s not about the music. It’s about the heart. And it’s about the mixed messages believers and non-Christians alike are receiving.
I recently read this article The Heresy of Worshiptainment, and it portrayed my recent thoughts so well.
“[I]t grieves me when I see worship services characterized more by props, performances, and pep rally atmospheres than by any sense of divine sacredness; and hallowedness giving way to shallowness.
This is not about worship styles. The issue is not traditional versus contemporary versus blended worship. It’s not about organ versus worship band. That discussion misses the point completely. This is about the heart and focus and intent of worship.
The message of the church—the message the world needs to hear from us—is not, ‘Come and have a good time,’ ‘Come and be entertained,’ or ‘Come and find your best life now.’ The message of the church is the message of the cross.”
That’s a major hang up in today’s culture—the unquenchable need for entertainment. The very thing that makes me often think Satan is sitting back with a smirk. It’s become perhaps one of his greatest deceptions yet.
=PRESS CTRL+F4 to return to Manje Pou Nanm after reading the article.
