SPIRITUAL SONGS!

SPIRITUAL SONGS!

Eph 5:15-19

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Col 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

One Turkish Proverb says “As the music is, so are the people of the country.” Music reflects the inward thoughts and the mindset of those who sing.  Mahalia Jackson said: “Anyone who sings the blues has a broken spirit ... Being oppressed or worried about something and not knowing God, they've sought a way of trying to relieve themselves ... the blues make you feel moody and sad and make you cry.” Minor keys express major problems.

Paul reminded the Colossians that music also teaches and admonishes. The Greek word which is translated “admonishing” is noutheteo which means “to caution or reprove gently.” One form of Christian counseling used today is called “nouthetic counseling.” The advisor cautions, warns and gently reproves the one counseled until the circumstances of his life improves. Music both reveals and alters one’s mood.

Paul was right when he urged that music spring forth from a heart that is full of the “word of Christ.” He urged that “the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” From this deep well comes the refreshing waters of songs, hymns and spiritual songs. We must be careful that our hymnody reflect our theology. We must be careful lest our hymnody become our theology.

Melody is the lead succession of sounds while harmony is an agreeable blend of sounds that compliment the melody. Mr. Barnes who authored the commentary “Barnes’ Notes,” said: “Public psalmody should not be entrusted wholly to the light and frivolous; to the trifling and careless part of a congregation. They who conduct this part of public worship ought to be pious. The leader "ought" to be a Christian; and they who join in it "ought" also to give their hearts to the Redeemer. A choir of sweet singers in a church -- united in the same praises here -- "ought" to be prepared to join in the same praises around the throne of God.”

Ye Servants Of God

(written by Charles Wesley)

Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim,
And publish abroad His wonderful Name;
The Name all victorious of Jesus extol,
His kingdom is glorious and rules over all.

Dear Lord, let me sing spiritual songs and make melody in my heart. Let me join in harmony with other believers who want to do the same. AMEN