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?