Music...

As a Worship Leader I have to keep in mind the needs of every individual that comes to sing to God. Sometimes my efforts are overshadowed by the desires of people who "prefer" a certain style of music. Why are there so many opionions? What is it about music? What should be the right attitude for myself and the opionated? Well, our human nature causes us to stumble in the area of opinions. We offer opinions like we're professionals. While eating at a restuarant we know what is right and wrong. We express that to the manager or take it out on the wait staff. Nothing like making someone's day by sharing our opinions. Don't get me wrong, there is a proper place for opinions, especially when the opinion is offered in humility. Anybody can receive an opinion when the opinionated is humble, not aggressive. What about music? Why is music always on the minds of everyone? Music has a way of reaching to the real depth of a person. No matter what the style is, each individual can be touched deep within by music. God has placed a sensitive spot within our hearts that can only be touched by music. We can get excited, saddened, refreshed or even angered by music. It is obvious that music is impotant to God, not only because he created it, but because it is a powerful way to worship Him. Individually, we have our own preferred way of worshipping God. Some pray more than others, while some give finaccially. Some do with their hands, while others sing with their voices. The list goes on and on. Musically speaking, many have their preffered way of worshipping. Some connect to God through traditional hymns, while others connect through modern songs. Some prefer organ and piano only, while others prefer a full rock band with lights and smoke. I struggle with listening to both sides of the music spectrum. I try to block out the frustrations of the opinionated and encourage open minds and hearts. Here's the reality. God dedicated an entire book of the bible to praising him through song. Each song in the book of Psalms is different in style and topic. Through the book of Psalms we are challenged to sing with a variety of instruments. No where do we read, "Always sing with an organ only." Nor do we read, "Sing with a full band of guitars, drums, pianos and keyboards." Our worship to God should have vareity. The point of giving God praise is to exalt Him, which in a lot of cases means that we should be out of our comfort zone. If worshipping God was for our comfort, it would be a waste of time. Worship would dissolve into a moment of selfish gain. Jesus was taken way out of His comfort zone, by dying to worship God. We must let go of ourselves and be more like Christ. As Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." (Luke 9:23-24) I pray that we will be more open to what God wants from us. Worship Him in a way that seems out of your comfort zone. God Bless You!