MUSING ABOUT MUSIC

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." - Romans 12:4-5

I love Southern Gospel convention music, in four-part harmony.  I love the songs, the harmony and the sweet spirit among the singers.  I know that there are other forms of Christian music, but convention music is what I grew up listening to & remains my favorite form of music --- by far.

Many churches have departed from this type of music.  Instead of singing from songbooks, lyrics are displayed on a screen for everyone to see.  Often, a congregation is expected to sing these songs in unison.  I am not condemning this form of music, but I believe that shape-note, four-part harmony singing is much better.

Four-part harmony is a reflection of Christian fellowship.  In fact, there are lessons for us to learn from musical harmony.

1.  THERE IS PART FOR EACH PERSON

Let's be honest.  Most women can't sing bass.  Most men can't sing alto.  For each singer, there is a specific part that they can comfortably sing.  The same is true in Christian fellowship.  Only a few will be in leadership positions, but there is a part each of us can contribute in a local church. 

2.  EACH PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE TO IMPROVE

Dad taught a shape-note singing school at my church when I was in the 8th grade.  I began to concentrate on this style of music.  In spite of what he taught, I was responsible to learn more and grow musically.  I had to practice and improve my sight-reading.  In a similar manner, each person in church has been given spiritual gifts.  It is our responsibility, as individuals, to utilize these gifts and seek to improve each day.

3.  HARMONY BRINGS ABOUT UNITY

Despite the fact that altos sing different notes than the sopranos, and tenors sing different notes that the basses, as the notes blend together, they create a glorious sound.  That's the way a church should be.  Each person working according to their unique giftedness & yet each of us working together for a common goal. 

4.  EACH PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE TO FOLLOW THE COMPOSITION

When people first hear a song performed in harmony, they tend to think that each person can just sing whatever notes he or she wishes to sing.  That's is wrong.  When we sing, we must follow the composition that has been specifically written to produce a precise melody.  In a church, the Lord has given us specific instructions that are found in His Word.  Too many try to "sing their own tune," instead of obeying the Word of God.  We are responsible to follow the instructions God has given us in the Bible.

5.  A SOUR NOTE HURTS THE GROUP

If you sing in a quartet, you know it only takes a sour note from one person to ruin a song.  The same is true with Christian fellowship.  When a church member is critical, it hurts the entire church.

6.  THE MESSAGE IS MOST IMPORTANT

Despite the emphasis I have placed on the importance of harmony, I believe most Christian singers would agree that the most important part of a Christian song is the message.  It has been said that a song without a message is like a well without water.  There are fun songs that have a light message, but I prefer the songs that have deep, spiritual meaning in them.  When it comes to a local church, the message of the Gospel is supreme.  Some churches emphasize music to the exclusion of the preaching of the Word.  This is a mistake.  While I strongly support Christian music, I know that God has specifically designed preaching to feed the flock, warn the unruly and save the lost.  The message is more important than programs, policies and politics. 

7.  GOD SHOULD BE PRAISED IN ALL THINGS

The purpose of Christian music mirrors the purpose of the local church.  We are here to glorify God.  God is not pleased when we try to show off while we sing.  I enjoy quartet singing, but I am troubled about how professional quartets (especially bass singers) tend to show off vocally.  The Bible condemns pride, but for some reason various forms of pride are condoned and even applauded in Gospel music.  I find that pride is a similar trap for those in ministry.  It would be easy for mega-church pastors to allow success to go to their heads.  When a church experiences phenomenal growth, there is a tendency for pride to creep in.  O, may we cast aside all such nonsense and only glorify God.

Yes, I love Southern Gospel convention music with its four-part harmony.  I love to hear the glorious blend of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses as they sing the glorious message of the Gospel.  There is nothing like a church that has a precious blend of gifts, brought together for the glory of God.  My little part is very small, but God specializes in taking our small gifts and using them so that He will be glorified among all nations.

One day the entire Church will be gathered together in heaven.  There will be singing over there.  Our voices will blend as we glorify the One who saved us.  What a singing that will be when we gather there!  I'm looking forward to it, what about you?

DEALING WITH DEATH

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." - Psalm 116:15

This past week or so has been difficult.  A deacon from my church passed away, while, in another state, a second cousin passed away the same night.  Death is not an easy issue to deal with, but it is part of life.

I find that professing believers often have an inaccurate view of death.  For the Christian, our concept of death should be properly understood from our reading of the Bible.  Too many church members have allowed movies, television and sentimental music to influence their understanding of death.  Let's look at a few myths about death.

MYTH #1:  WHEN GOOD PEOPLE DIE, THEY BECOME ANGELS

I use the word, "good," loosely in this example.  The Bible says that there is none good.  From an earthly perspective, we tend to think of godly men & women as "good people."  Some believe that when "good people" die, they become angels. This myth is very popular.  The Bible does not teach that a Christian becomes an angel when he dies.  Furthermore, when an infant dies, he or she does not become an angel.  Angels are created beings.  I fear that many Americans have a fixation about angels.  The Bible teaches us that angels are ministering spirits.  Angels are not to be worshiped.  While it is true that angels have temporarily taken a human form at times, we find nothing in the Scripture that indicates that a human becomes an angel when he or she dies.

MYTH #2:  EVERYONE GOES TO HEAVEN WHEN THEY DIE

Sadly, I've attended funerals where the minister seemed to go out of his way to indicate that the deceased was now in heaven.  Yet the deceased may have been notoriously evil and wicked, without any indication of repentance.  When I read obituaries, I am amazed at how many of the obituaries seem to almost deify the deceased.  Indirectly, a message is being sent:  everyone goes to heaven when they die.  When catastrophe occurs, like 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina, most tend to think that those who die in such catastrophes have gone to glory.  The Bible makes it very clear that there is only one way for a person to get to the Father, and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ.  A person must be born again to see the Kingdom of God.  It is time for preachers to quit "preaching the deceased into heaven" at funerals.  I've conducted funerals for people who died leaving questions about their spiritual condition.  When this is the case, I NEVER state that the deceased is in heaven.  Instead, I simply preach a direct Gospel message to the family and friends.  In these situations, I leave the spiritual destiny of the deceased in the hands of God.

MYTH #3:  CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT GRIEVE

It is wrong to label a Christian as "unspiritual" because he or she grieves when a loved one dies.  I believe this myth comes from a misinterpretation of Paul's words to the Thessalonians.  Look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13:  "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."  Paul was not saying that Christians should never sorrow, but rather, we would not sorrow, "... as others which have no hope."  For unbelievers, death is the most disastrous event possible, because they have no hope beyond the grave.  Paul wrote that, although we grieve upon the death of a saved loved one, our grief is not hopeless.  Christians should grieve when loved ones die.  Grief is a natural response to death.  However, Christians grieve with assurance that the saved loved one is not gone forever.  When a Christian dies, he or she goes to the paradise of God.

We've looked at some myths about death, now let's consider some simple facts about dealing with death:

1.  DEATH IS ALWAYS TOUGH TO DEAL WITH

Some families know for months that a loved one is dying.  Others have the trauma of getting unexpected bad news from a police officer.  Whether you have a long time to prepare or not, the death of a friend or family member is difficult to deal with.  When Jesus' friend, Lazarus, died, Jesus wept at his tomb.  Jesus did not condemn Mary or Martha for their grief.  He shared in their grief.

2.  GOD IS NEAR DURING OUR TIME OF GRIEF

Psalm 34:18 states, "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart."  God knows the depth of grief we encounter.  The Holy Spirit was sent to be a Comforter to us.  God gives us comfort and strength when we go through sorrow and grief.

3.  BE HONEST IN YOUR GRIEF

Some pretend to be strong during times of grief.  Such pretense is actually harmful for the grieving process.  There is a time to grieve.  There is no shame is shedding tears when you are grieving.

4.  LET OTHERS MINISTER TO YOU

People tend to be proud and refuse acts of kindness.  Yet during our times of grief, we need others.  Let your local church family and neighbors help you during this time. 

5.  PREPARE TO DIE YOURSELF

The death of a loved one should cause us to realize that we, too, are mortal.  Each one of us will face death some day.  Knowing this, we need to prepare for death.  You should have a last will and testament prepared.  Make sure you have adequate life insurance coverage to protect your family.  Let your final wishes be known in writing, along with a verbal declaration of those wishes.  Most of all, prepare to meet God.  If you are not a Christian, it is vital that you turn from your sins and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.  All of us will die, but few will actually go to heaven.  Make sure you are one of them.

For the deacon of my church & the second cousin who passed away, both left a glorious testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.  While it hurts to realize that they are no longer with us here on earth, I am grateful that I will see them again.  Most of all, I am thankful for the grace of my Lord that has made this hope a certainty.

INTENTIONAL LIVING

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." - John 9:4

A couple of years ago, I had some minor surgery performed.  During my recovery, I spent time in prayer and reflection.  A particular thought came to my mind:  if averages play out, I've lived over half of my life.  This kind of realization may seem morbid to some, but it can be a great eye-opening concept to others. 

Realizing that over half of my life is already gone, I came to the conclusion that I need to be intentional about how I live the rest of my life.  Regardless of your age, it will be would wise for you to live intentionally also.  We are only allowed to live one time here on earth, so we need to make the most of this opportunity.

Jesus lived an intentional life.  Jesus knew that His time was limited.  He had just a short period of time to live; yet there were things He needed to accomplish.  In John 9:4, Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

From the life of Jesus, we can learn how to live intentionally.  Note a few things about His intentional life.

1.  HE HAD PASSION

First of all, Jesus had passion.  Notice that He said, "I MUST work the works of him that sent me," (emphasis added).  Jesus was passionate about life.  He was passionate about the time He had left.  Jesus knew how much time He had left.  We don't have that kind of insight.  However, you and I know that, like Jesus, our time is limited.  We have less time to live than ever before.  Jesus was not going to live passively.  He was not going to be sidetracked from His work.  He kept His focus on the things that mattered most.

2.  HE HAD PURPOSE

Secondly, Jesus had purpose.  Jesus said, "I must WORK THE WORKS of him that sent me," (emphasis added).  Jesus had a specific job to accomplish.  The work was not simply to fulfill His own goals, dreams and desires, but to accomplish the work, "... of him that sent me."

Sadly, most Christians emphasize the wrong things.  We prioritize the minor things to the neglect of the major things.  We are busy earning a living and paying bills, but are we living the life God intends for us to live?  Sadly, many believers get on their deathbed and look back with regret, knowing they've neglected the most important things. 

Jesus lived intentionally, living with purpose.  As I pondered this issue myself, I felt that there were certain things I need to focus on for the rest of my life.  I find myself being pulled by the world's demands.  On a regular basis, I have to revisit my life purpose and the things I know I need to be doing.  Daily life has a way of distracting us from vital things.  We need to recognize what God is leading us to do --- then stay focused and faithful to these things.

3.  HE HAD PERCEPTION

Finally, Jesus had perception.  He had the insight to know that His time was limited.  Jesus said, "... the night cometh when no man can work."  Like Jesus, there are many things we need to get done right now.  When death comes, it will be too late to witness to your children, give to those in need or help your neighbor.  Johnny Hunt once said, "We'll have all eternity to enjoy our victories, but only one lifetime in which to win them." 

We have a limited time to live.  If we intend to get anything done in the Name of Christ and for His cause, it is right now.  If there is a specific task that God has placed on your heart to do, get busy on it right now. 

Live intentionally.  That's the only way we can live, and ultimately die, without regrets.

NEVER STOP GROWING

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended..." - Philippians 3:13

Personal growth is a lifetime process.  For most people, the idea of growth is scaring and frustrating.  Many people tend to think that the learning process ended at graduation.  They have no desire to learn and grow.  Sadly, many people must be forced to grow, or they will never grow at all.

This is a problem, especially for men.  I am told that women account for 90% of all book sales.  For the most part, men refuse to read.  In fact, a shocking number of men have never read a book since leaving high school.  It is sad that most men simply want to work and play ... but stay the same.

The Apostle Paul had a desire to be a better Christian.  When he wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended," he was basically saying, "I have not arrived yet."  Despite his growth, Paul was not satisfied that he had reached some pinnacle of potential.  He knew that there was more to learn and experience.

What about you?  Are you growing?  Let me give this simple advice:  Never stop growing!  I give this advice to myself as well as others.

The Apostle Peter's final written words in Scripture were simple:  "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior..."  For a Christian, growth is expected. 

Let me challenge one false concept about growth.  You may read your Bible daily and go to church every time the doors are open & yet fail to grow.  Growth is more than obtaining information.  There are many immature Christians who know doctrine and church practice, but are no closer to godliness than ever before.  They may be intimate with the church by-laws and be walking far from God.

Let me give you three basic steps of growth:

1.  LONGING

First of all, there needs to be a passion for growth.  If you are content with your spiritual progress, you need to prayerfully reexamine your life.  I believe that a growing Christian has a holy discontentment in his heart.  He longs to know more about God so He may love God more and obey Him more explicitly.  One way to cultivate a passion for growth is to hang around those who are actively growing.  The church is a great place to find people who are growing.  Get close to growing people.  Their passion may overflow into your life.  Another way to develop a passion for growth is to focus on the benefits of growth.  The upside potential is tremendous for growing people. 

2.  LEARNING

Learning is the second step of growth.  Once you have a passion to grow, you seek to learn more about God, yourself and the Christian life.  Obviously, Christian growth includes regular time in the Word.  The Bible is the best place to learn about the Lord.  The Bible is food for the soul, a light for your path and gives strength for the challenges ahead.  In addition to reading the Bible daily, I recommend that you read from a good devotional daily, such as Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening," or the classic, "My Utmost For His Highest."  Although you may not have the resources for a large library, I encourage you to read classic books by Christian authors like A. W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray and E. M. Bounds.  Never stop learning!

3.  LIVING

The third step of growth is to implement the things you learn in everyday life.  This is where many well-meaning Christians fail.  Many church members have perfect attendance at a Bible Study class and keep a good notebook of study notes, yet fail to apply the things they learn.  Sadly, American Christians are spiritually obese ... we keep digesting truth but never obey what is taught.  If growth stops with learning, we tend to have a lot of head-knowledge that never leads to genuine growth.

Here's the bottom line.  Growth is all about change.  If you aren't changing into the person God wants you to be, you aren't growing.  As humans, we tend to resist change.  To us, change is uncomfortable.  Often, change requires us to do new things and experience new adventures.  We'd prefer the comfort of a church pew any day rather than actively walk by faith & be used by God. 

Growth is a work of God, but we must be willing to participate in the process.  He expects us to sow & cultivate the seed --- and then He will bless the seed to grow.  Seed in the hand will never produce a harvest.  Seed that is properly planted and cultivated may yield a great increase.

By faith, look ahead one year from now.  Do you wish to be at the same spiritual level you are right now?  Do you long to be a better Christian?  Do you long to be closer to Jesus?  Do you long to have a fervent, vibrant prayer-life?  Do you want to be a mature believer?  If so, the process needs to start today.  Have a longing for growth.  Be learning so that you can grow.  Live out the truth daily so that growth may occur.  Begin today.

Never stop growing!!!

A NEW YEAR:  MAKE RESOLUTIONS ... OR SET GOALS?

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14

As we embark on a New Year, many will make "New Year's Resolutions."  Often these resolutions are made with good intentions ... and last about two weeks.  It is an annual exercise in futility.

Should we even make resolutions?  A resolution is a promise you make to yourself and / or God.  Promises are easily made and are easily broken.  Personally, I don't make resolutions.  Promises I make to myself are useless and I am held accountable for promises I make to God.

Instead of making New Year's resolutions, I set goals for the upcoming year.  I usually start the list in October or November of the year before.  This gives me time to make changes to the list.  I must confess that I rarely accomplish 100% of my goals ... but I often achieve most of them.

I found that the Apostle Paul set goals.  In Philippians 3:14, he wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  The phrase, "I press toward the mark," indicates an all-out effort to reach a goal.  Jesus had a specific goal:  "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."  His work was very specific, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

At the beginning of the year, many people will make unattainable goals, then get discouraged and quit completely.  Others will not set any goals at all.  It has been said that if you shoot at nothing, you'll hit it every time.  I think it is important to set goals. 

Let me make some recommendations as you consider making goals for the New Year:

1.  GOALS SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED

Write down your goals.  This helps you clearly articulate the goals you seek to achieve.  Keep the list nearby and review it regularly.

2.  GOALS SHOULD BE REALISTIC

Setting unattainable goals will only discourage you.  Your goals should be challenging enough to require hard work and diligence to accomplish them.  For instance, it is unrealistic to think you will lose 50 pounds in just two weeks.  It is more realistic to lose 5 pounds in a year.  It may be unrealistic to write a novel in seven days, but you may be able to write a chapter in two weeks.  Being realistic with goal setting is important. 

3.  GOALS SHOULD BE MEASURABLE

Vague goals are difficult to achieve ... after all, when do you know that you've achieved them?  Instead of setting a goal to be healthier, set a more specific goal, like exercising for 20 minutes, three times per week.  Instead of setting a vague goal of being a better husband, set specific goals on how you may treat your spouse in a more honorable way.

4.  GOALS SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED

Share your goals with a trusted friend.  By sharing your goals, you will have someone to encourage and support you.  Also, the accountability will be beneficial for you.  When you know someone is expecting progress, it gives you extra incentive to keep working toward the goal.

5.  KEEP AT IT

Small steps taken regularly are better than trying to take a major step at the last moment.  When I was in school, unsuccessful students tried to "cram" for a test instead of slowly studying the subject matter over time.  It takes regular work to achieve meaningful goals. 

6.  GOALS SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE

Sometimes goals need to be adjusted.  Every year, I set a goal to read a specific list of books.  It is not uncommon to find that one of the books on my list is boring or badly written.  Once in a while, I strike a book from my reading list, especially if I find out that is a terrible book.  Also, I often add books I wish to read. 

 

7.  CELEBRATE THE GOALS YOU REACH

When you obtain a major goal, celebrate!  If you lose the specific weight you desired, treat yourself to a reward.  Let your accountability partner know, so they will celebrate with you.

Don't become a slave to your goals.  Keep motivated by regularly reviewing your goals and the progress you've made.  If you set the right goals for the right reasons, then work at them regularly, the year ahead may be the greatest year of your life!