Passion Over Preferences

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
- Romans 12:1-2

Worship is a lifestyle that most certainly reaches far beyond just singing.  But as a worship leader, I want to share a few thoughts on the musical aspect of worship. Music is such a powerful medium. Music can inspire and lift the soul like nothing else can. Something happens when a heart that has a genuine desire for God is exposed to music that is designed to worship God. Surely the Lord delights in the joyful noise, but my guess is that He delights in the heart behind the noise even more.

Regardless of our taste in musical format, whether it be hymns or modern choruses or somewhere in between, our heart is what God focuses on. And in turn our focus should see past the style of the song and fixate on the One that the song is about. We practice this in other areas of our lives without even recognizing it. So often, we enjoy activities and events that really don’t interest us in and of themselves. What makes us enjoy those things is that someone we have a passion for is involved in them.

For example, a grandmother may attend a basketball game and have the time of her life even though she really doesn’t enjoy the sport of basketball. What made the difference? Her grandchild was on the floor playing in that basketball game. She is able to look past the game that she doesn’t really care for and focus on the one she is passionate about; and it makes the experience extremely meaningful to her.

A young man goes to the theater to see an on stage production of a musical when he has no interest in musical theater whatsoever. What causes him to enjoy the evening – his passion and interest in the girl who has a role in the musical. His focus is on the one his heart longs for and not on the musical itself.

When you and I enter into a worship service, it is my prayer that we could see past the words on the screen, past the tempo of the song, past a hymn or a chorus and let our hearts focus on the One that the song is written about. If that is our attitude, we will be more engaged in worship and find so much more meaning in songs of all styles.

Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise!  Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!  So great is Your power that your enemies come cringing to You.  All the earth worships You and sings praises to You; they sing praises to Your name.”
- Psalm 66:1-5

What is your favorite line from a Worship Song or Hymn?

-Jason Taylor
Worship & Youth Pastor