Singing Has a Divine Value and Purpose
God has certainly done nothing by accident or lacking of divine wisdom. There is purpose and value for man in all of His instructions. Among the values and purposes, there are four that are basic:
1. Instruct and Teach: One of the avenues by which we dispense the spiritual food and through which we grow is to be gained by singing. It is an exercise in praise that brings strength and gives strength. The church is greatly benefited. Singing has the power to lift the downtrodden as it communicates the truth of God. The world is also helped to greater appreciation of the will of God through singing. It has been the spring-board of teaching by which many have given serious thought to God’s love and kindness, as well as His justice toward the lost.
2. Communicate Ideals: Singing sends out a strong fellow-feeling that is hard to express as well in any other way. The expression of heart, venting itself through the lips, is tender, sweet, and elevating to the good thoughts and morals of all. Children can learn greatly the really important things of life by observing and hearing good singing. They are also aware when our singing is only lip service and not sincere. One of the controlling influences of life is in the music we are accustomed to, either for good or evil. God desires that we should communicate ideals that will draw men unto Him.
3. Admonish to Righteous Living: Faithfulness to the cause of Christ will be the difference in Heaven and Hell. Singing has the power to bring back our thoughts to the proper place, remove our doubts, and reestablish our lives. We are reminded that we have started out in the Christian race and must work out our own salvation (Phil. 2:12) with fear and trembling. We are encouraged to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual service (Rom. 12:1-12). Singing brings warning and caution for one who would turn his back on righteous living (II Pet. 2:20-22).
4. Bring Praise to God: All that is said in the scriptures points to the important purpose of man’s existence. “Why are we here” is a question of great magnitude. The simple answer missed by so many is that we are created to praise our creator. Since “the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psa. 19:1), man cannot correctly deny God the rightful place in his own creation nor successfully put Him out of his reasoning (Rom. 1:19-22). To “glorify God for his mercy . . . I give praises unto thee among the Gentiles and sing unto thy name” (Rom. 15:9; Psa. 18:49).
It Should Be Done with the Deepest Reverence
One reason that some do not realize the value and purpose of singing is a lack of deep devotion and reverence toward God. If we realize the deep love, respect, and awe that we should express toward God, many difficulties would be removed. If singing is only seen as a preliminary to worship, none of the purposes God intended are served. If it is a time to tell and hear the news or just a cue for those visiting on the outside of the building that they should get ready to enter the building, then one of the ingredients necessary to make worship acceptable is missing. However, with our hearts attuned for worship to the Almighty, the manner rendered will be quite different. In the “kingdom which can not be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28-29).
When the heart of man is overflowing with gratitude, dependence, love, respect, and praise, singing will be alive and vibrant as God desired and intended. Fervency and zeal can certainly change our singing from deadness to that which is reverently alive. Singing is then one of the best spiritual barometers for any congregation. If the singing is dead, generally, so is the congregation. Reverence is missing. Many are not singing—supposedly they came to hear worship instead of render worship. How different to be in an audience of worshippers where wholehearted participation with reverence is evident. It brings glory to Jesus the bridegroom (Jn. 3:29) and to the God of Heaven and earth whom we seek to praise.
(To be continued.)