“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Since history has a tendency to repeat itself, today’s lesson should come as no surprise. You see, back in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s there arose a controversy in many evangelical churches. The controversy was centered on the following question: In our worship services, should we only sing psalms penned by God’s hand or hymns penned by man’s hand? As you can imagine there were supporters for both avenues.
Isaac Watts was known as the ‘Father of English Hymnody’ and wrote somewhere around 750 hymns. He of course was an advocate of singing hymns while the majority of the churches insisted on singing the traditional psalms. Tempers frequently flared, and some churches actually split in the heat of this musical conflict. In some churches a compromise was reached by incorporating both psalms & hymns in worship. What is sad is that some church members would simply leave or refuse to sing when it was time for a hymn to be sung.
Still today there exists a controversy within some evangelical congregations regarding the use of traditional versus contemporary music. The hymns that were seen as contemporary back in the 17th & 18th centuries are now considered traditional while believers continue to write new songs of worship year after year. Although we may each have our own preference, this should never be a cause for disrupting the unity of any group of believers.
Our scripture for today gives us clear insight into the music that’s to be included in worship. First of all, we must understand that our worship is primarily tied to our time in God’s word…“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” If we are not spending time in God’s word, personal preference will be preeminent instead of the Person of Christ. Secondly, all types of music should be expressed as an offering of worship...“psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” All three bring God glory & benefit the body of Christ through their lessons & admonitions. Lastly, we are to sing as those who possess the grace of God in our hearts…“singing with grace in your hearts.” Because we have been recipients of God’s grace, we can joyously, passionately, and lovingly sing to Lord any psalm or hymn or spiritual song.Have a blessed day,
Pastor Greg
In time of trouble, God’s Word promises to be a sure foundation and an enduring refuge.