Some fifty or so years ago, dairy farmers discovered the playing of soothing music encouraged cows to produce more milk. Since more milk meant greater profits, farmers began installing sound systems inside their dairy barns. One major dairy producer capitalized on this innovation by advertising “Milk from contented cows.”
Oddly enough, the sweet strains of music very often produce
an entirely opposite reaction among Christians. Instead
of contentment, hostile disagreements over selections in worship
music have become a leading cause of congregational
infighting and even church splits! To our shame, there are believers
who sulk and fume from their pews if their particular
brand of musical tastes is not satisfied. Studies and surveys
in churches are showing that music ministers are among the
most stressed in Christian ministry.
Musical tastes are as varied as church members themselves.
There are those who love the old hymns while others
much prefer a more contemporary flavor. Some music ministers
have attempted to appease everyone by blending the old
with the new. Other churches offer two separate worship services
each Sabbath--one being traditional and the other a contemporary
service. Still, there are churches that tenaciously
cling to old-fashion tradition. I know of a local pastor who is
fond of bragging, “You won’t hear any contemporary music in
our church! We remain true to the old hymns!” What he fails to realize is that even the old hymns were “contemporary” when
they were first written! In contrast, I once attended a church in
which the music was played at an ear-splitting volume resembling
that of an armored vehicle crossing a minefield.
There are those who argue the old hymns are a tangible
link to our past. This is certainly true, for these hymns have
surely withstood the test of time. Many of the old hymns, too,
are rich in Christian doctrine. The lyrics of Charles Wesley
or Martin Luther, as examples, give magnificent instruction in
sound Christian theology.
But can we not make similar statements favoring contemporary
Christian music? Yes, we certainly can, for there are
some wonderful Christian artists glorifying the name of Christ
Jesus with their talents. Should we deny their musical contributions
based solely upon the fact their songs are fresh and
new? To do so sounds rather legalistic and since when has
unbending legalism brought honor to God? Far too often we
allow our own personal taste in music to become the standard
for what music is glorifying to God. Instead, we should allow,
even promote, Christian freedom and grace in musical preferences.
People are always asking if drums or keyboards or, yes, if
electric guitars belong in the church. All musical instruments
are, in themselves, neither good nor bad—they are amoral. So
the question is this: Does a style of music edify believers while
bringing honor and glory to Christ Jesus? If so, then what difference
does it make if the accompaniment is provided by a piano
or a guitar? Perhaps Ephesians 5:19 is the answer to this
issue in that it promotes worshipping the Lord and encouraging
other believers in three different “styles” of music, “Speak
to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing
and make music in your heart to the Lord.”
