Tonight while driving with the family and listening to some good mainstream, Christian contemporary Christian music, I had a thought. I came to a realization while listening to the songs, music, and lyrics from the band, Sevenglory, on their CD Atmosphere. In the midst of pondering the lyrics and enjoying the music, I realized that I was worshiping. But wait a minute . . . this music isn’t music that we would do on a typical Sunday morning at Living Stones or any other “typical” American church for that matter. It would be viewed by most religious people as unacceptable for a “worship service.”
While some may argue the ability to worship to any music, I would argue that you would have to have been inside my heart to make that determination. And since you can’t get inside my heart, you’ll either have to take my word for it or call me crazy. This whole point reaffirms a message that has burned inside of me for quite some time. Life is worship. If we are living life filled by the glory of God as evidenced by the power of Holy Spirit working in us, then everything we do is worship. Driving my newly purchased Mustang convertible with the top fully down and my full head of hair blowing in the wind, for me is worship. Why? . . . because while doing so it causes me to focus my attention on the greatness of God and the wonder of His beautiful creation. That beautiful creation includes me. When I am joyful because of anything connected with God, it’s worship.
Now back to my original point. I contend that we can worship just as fully while listening to contemporary Christian music as much as we can to the typical worship genre. I contend that we can worship while viewing art created by a secular artist. Why? Because the God of all creation still is at the source of all creative ability. It causes me to worship. I contend that you can even listen to a completely secular song (pure in its lyrics and spirit) and the message and the music can direct you toward God and cause you to worship. You see worship isn’t a style and isn’t even about music. Worship, at the very core, is that which we hold as most important.
Love this! I’m totally in the same boat with you.
Standing in the Atlantic waters yesterday….I was totally taken back by the immense size of the ocean I was wading in…..then it hit me….the God that created this holds me in the palm of His hand….and is pleased with me. WORSHIP! No matter where you are…no matter what’s on the radio…..if you really understand who He is and His greatness….it just happens!
I can attest to this!! Andy used to listen to a certain Country/Western station while working in the fields. I would just cringe at some of the lyrics, knowing how society usually implies the immorality. But Andy would told me that it wasn’t about what the writer or singer meant. Ratehr, certain songs reminded him of us and our life together and that is what he thought of listening to them. That really changed my perspective. Every once in a while, while driving all those wonderful back roads between here and Muncie, I turn a station on (country / easy listening / etc) and listen to the words, except now I think of Jesus singing them to me as His bride … or me to Him. And yeah, its worship!!! They turn my heart to the love that He has for me and remind me how much I matter to Him!
Hi Jon. I was on your church’s website investigating the dance classes…didn’t I ever tell you what an awesome dancer I am?? yeah, right… but I have a 15 year old who I think is pretty awesome at it and who wants it to be an act of worship. I am planning on calling the church to find out more details and am hoping she can check it out. Anyhow I saw your thoughts on worship and I want you to know I agree totally. You said it well. I just am having trouble driving with the wind blowing through much hair of mine, but I get the idea nonetheless.