[338 words]
When we sing songs that we’ve sung for years, we often have a temptation to “shift our brains into neutral” and cease thinking about the words and messages; about the benefits and recipients of those messages we sing!
God wants singing to be a part of His worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15). God purposed also, in part, that attendance in worship ought to be a way of stirring each other up to love and good works (Heb. 10:24-25). What ought I to consider if my singing is to be stirring?
To whom am I singing? The answer is: God AND one another (reread Ephesians 5:19 carefully)! We sing to the glory of God but to the benefit of one another. Therefore, church, bring your head up out of your book and have regard for your Christian brothers and sisters who can take comfort and strength in the song service!
What am I singing? The answer is: praises to God AND words of encouragement and admonition to one another! When we sing to one another—we dare to ask questions like, “are YOU sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother?” “Is THY heart right with God?” And we dare make the statement to one another: “I love YOU with the love of the Lord!” How wonderful to express those things in song—in a heart of love and concern for one another.
How am I singing? The answer is: With voice AND heart of thankfulness (1 Thess. 5:17). God wants our sacrifices in worship, but He wants them from a heart that is truly thankful to Him (2 Cor. 9:6-7). God knows when we offer Him things that come from a heart that is not in it, and it can be evident to Christians by how we sing to one another! Preparing for worship, focusing on the words, and pouring out our gratitude to God and one another will stir up the church to greater work and praise.
Andy Baker
Graeber Road church of Christ
Rosenberg, TX