Avoiding Instruments is One Thing; Faithful Singing is Another
There is no way to “rightly divide” Scripture and find authorization to use mechanical instruments of music in worship to the Lord. The New Testament simply does not allow us to use them as we worship God. Passages such as Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 and Hebrews 13:15 make that abundantly clear.
There are Christians who are far more qualified to write on that subject than I am. Many are not “schooled” in formal academics, but they know the Bible, and they can show clearly that we are not to use instruments of music as we worship the Lord together.
However, some of those same people do not sing when we worship. They know all the reasons not to use instruments, but they just sit there through the singing. Today, I want us to consider that avoiding singing is just as sinful as adding to our singing.
“Adding To” vs. “Taking Away”
One of the major arguments against mechanical instruments is that we are adding to a clear command of God, which we simply cannot do. When the Lord tells us to do something, we have no right to add on our own whims and desires to that command.
For example, when the Lord makes it clear that we are to eat unleavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine when we commune, we dare not add any other elements to that sacred supper. And, when the Lord commands us to sing, we dare not add mechanical instruments to such a clear command.
However, if we just sit there while others are singing, is that not taking away from a command of God? I look out at times across a congregation and I see people who can quote more Scripture than I’ll ever be able to, but they are just sitting silently week after week. Such is taking away from God’s commands, and it is sinful. How would those same people feel if, next Sunday, we only served the fruit of the vine in communion? They would be up in arms, since we are taking away from a command! But by their silence in singing, so are they.
Inability to be “Filled with the Spirit”
Ephesians 5:18 gives the command to Christians to “be filled with the Spirit.” Over the next three verses, Paul gives several ways that we are filled by the Spirit of God.
In that context, one of those ways is “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (v.19). Paul is making it clear that we are filled with the Holy Spirit when we sing to our Lord out of a reverent and worshipful heart.
So, when someone refuses to sing, what is the clear implication? He or she is not being filled by the Spirit. I do not know all that is implied by being filled with the Spirit of God, but I know this: I want to be so filled!
Excuses, Excuses
Trust me, I have heard every excuse in the book as to why people do not sing. Now, let me say, I am not talking about legitimate excuses. Some are feeling ill and are doing their best just to show up. Others may get emotional over the words of a song and have to gather themselves. Some may not know a song very well but are doing their best to learn so they can sing it next time (or even on the next verse).
But there are other excuses that are given, and they just do not hold water for one who is to be worshiping the Lord.
I Don’t Like That Song. So what? There are songs that I do not personally like all that much, either. But worship is not about my preferences! If a song honors the Lord and teaches Biblical truth, then I need to give Him my all by uttering those words.
I Don’t Like the Song Leader. Again, there are song leaders who I think do a better job than others, but that man’s ability is not what determines my heart-felt praise to the Lord. Admittedly, I might have to work a little harder if a song leader is truly deficient, but if he is leading songs that speak truth to the Lord, then I need to sing.
I Can’t Sing. What is nearly always meant by this is, “I don’t have a great vocal ability.” There is not a single command for us to have the voice of an opera singer or Broadway star in order to bring praise to the Lord. In fact, the emphasis is on our heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), not on the quality of our musical abilities.
Conclusion: Does This Really Matter?
“I worship at a church that doesn’t use instruments. I even ‘amen’ the preacher when he really goes after those instrument-using folks. Doesn’t that make me faithful?” Well, in one sense, it does.
But, dear Christian, let me lovingly remind us all that Christianity is about far more than just avoiding what is wrong. It is about lovingly, passionately, and reverently doing what is right.
It does matter, because our Lord requires us to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to [Him], that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Hebrews 13:15). When I just sit and watch as the singing is going on around me, I am being disobedient to a clear command.
And for disobedience, we will be judged.
So, in the words of one of my favorite old hymns, let’s all “Sing, o sing, His praises!”
To Receive Every Post from A Legacy of Faith through Email for Free, Click Here
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
