Something You May Not Want to Hear More about Loud Music – Don’t stop reading now.
If you missed the article on Stage Presence: part 2, under the Microphone section, you can check out why our church music should not be too loud. I really did not know that I had anything more to say on that subject until one Sunday morning during church, God began to download this article to me while I was leading Praise and Worship.
Let me backtrack for a moment and tell you about an amazing community sing, hosted by one of our local churches. We had a wonderful time worshiping together. Friends told me about an awesome song their choir was going to sing, declaring that I had to hear it. The song was “I Lift My Hands,” written by Chris Tomlin. The music was so loud that I could not make out the words or the melody. I really tried, but it was just a blur of sound. Not only had I not heard the song, but I had not worshipped with it either. A couple more groups followed, and though their music was somewhat loud, I was able to hear, sing along and worship. What followed, was a God orchestrated event: A woman, whose ministry is sign language, said, “I don’t know why God told me to do this song, since it was just sung, but maybe someone here needs to hear it again.” Yes. It was me! As she ministered through sign language, I could hear the prerecorded singer and music. I heard an amazing song that I knew would touch hearts, because it touched mine. Since then, I have used it many times when leading Praise and Worship.
Fast forward: What did God say to me that Sunday morning as I led worship? When you can’t hear the music or the words, and it is so loud that it just becomes noise, people will not be able to take the song with them, having never heard it.
Why do God's people need to take the song with them? Jesus said, “A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).” John 4:23-24 Amplified Bible.
We can worship God in church, but church is only a part of our lives. God expects us to worship Him in our everyday living. This is the reality of our lives. Through the good times, when it is easy, and through the challenging times, when it is the sacrifice of praise, true worshipers worship Him in their daily lives.
Singing is part of our spiritual warfare.
Singing these songs from your heart: · Encourages you to press in closer to God and press on, completing the work He has called you to do. · Gives you peace in the midst of the storm. · Is a statement of your faith. When songs are full of the Word of God, God’s Word does not return void but accomplishes the will of the Father. Sing these songs over your circumstances and see God’s victory. · Helps you guard your heart and mouth. When you fill your mouth with His Word, it will move your focus to to Him and help to keep you from complaining. Complaining is not faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 · You will be an example to your children, and help them to choose to love and serve God.
Let’s talk about children for a moment. Although I predominately taught third grade for most of my teaching years, I also taught in the middle school for a brief time. My students read a book about a young man trapped in an avalanche. The book told how the teenager tried to stay alert by reciting things he knew. I asked my students what they would do if they were ever in similar circumstances. The overwhelming response was to recite TV commercials. Some said multiplication tables. Only 2 said that they would recite something from the Bible.
I was very sad. During the course of a typical day, I taught approximately 150 students, many from Christian homes. Not only do adults need to know scriptures and songs that connect us to God, but so do our children. Sing with your children. Develop in them a wealth of resources that they can call upon to keep their minds stayed on God. We do not know if we will ever be trapped in a disaster zone waiting for someone to rescue us, or perhaps a prisoner of war, or even imprisoned for our faith in God. Fill your hearts and minds with scriptures and Christian songs that are full of the truths in God’s Word.
Watch out for excuses! · Kids won’t come to church if the music isn’t loud. When kids know that God has the answer for all of their concerns, needs and problems, they will come to church. How will they know this? Because parents have demonstrated their trust in God and the importance of church. Help your children to know that church is not optional, by making it a family expectation from an early age in their lives. · Our music is loud because that is just the way our culture likes it. This is an excuse. Everything I have written concerning loud music in this article and the article I previously mentioned – Stage Presence –applies to all cultures.
No matter what the culture, Christians are called to be Ambassadors for Christ. When your music or speaking is so loud that it reverberates throughout the community, you are not drawing others to Christ by your example. They will not want to hear what you have to say when you have already filled their ears to the point of pain. Oh, you may claim it is your right to make all the noise you want, but Christianity is not about rights. It is about relationship with God and each other. Do not destroy your witness in the community to insist on your rights.
Does the music have to be quiet? No. Use common sense. It can be moderately loud and joyful, without destroying ears or relationships.
Pray and ask God what His Will and priorities are in all areas of your life. Choosing God over the desires of the flesh, things will be done decently and in order.
After I published this article, someone asked me, “Doesn’t the Bible to say to ‘Make a joyful noise’?” Yes, it does; however, back in Bible times, they did not have the ability to amplify the music. This gives the meaning of “loud” a totally different perspective.
I repeat, pray and ask God what His Will and priorities are in all areas of your life. Choosing God over the desires of the flesh, things will be done decently and in order.