MELODIES IN OUR HEARTS

MELODIES IN OUR HEARTS Melodies in our Hearts
Louis Garbi Does God feel honored by stained glass? Stylized script? Religious imagery? That warbling organ cranking out "In the Garden"? Is there really a Christian motif? Obviously, God is not worshipped by these things. "..He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath and all things." (Acts 17:24-25) However, man does these and many other things to please himself in the name of worshipping God. In light of this one might ask; "Since God is not worshipped by man's invention, then must we have a Biblical command for everything that is involved with daily living?" The scriptures answer; "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col.3:17) Again the church is told; "..present your bodies a living sacrifice.." (Rom.12:1) This is a constant in the life of the believer. There is no time when we should cease the yielding of our bodies to God. Therefore the worship and service to God is continuous. "So must I consult the scriptures for the color of my living room walls? Or, does Jesus bless my personal choices because I belong to Him?" The answer is simple. We have many areas of living and each area has its own protocol. For example, there is a difference between what God requires when we assemble for the express purpose of edifying one another, and what we do to obtain food. Within the purpose of assembling in His name there are clear commands from the Lord: eating the Lord's supper, singing and making melody in our heart, exhorting, teaching, praying, etc. But He did not command us to assemble in His name to feed the chickens, punch the time clock, wash the dishes or study algebra, which all have a place in their own setting. Likewise, it would be inappropriate to try eating the Lord's supper for a refreshing break while the assembly line is down. "To the pure all things are pure.." (Titus 1:15), but this doesn't mean we are free to do anything at anytime. When the church edifies itself through psalms hymns and spiritual songs, we are free to sing. It is enough. To add the extras that we enjoy so much during other occasions is not appropriate, anymore than sharing a strip steak as a part of the Lord's supper. The Lord's children do not need a mood setting synthesizer to enhance their shared song, but they do need to be as the altar made without hewn stone. God's children need to be present with hearts and voices that God has made. Peter sought to give honor to Jesus, Moses and Elijah during the transfiguration of Jesus. "..Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.." (Mark 9:5) God declared to Peter, James, and John (and to us as well); "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Mark 9:7) Hear what Jesus commanded through the apostle Paul with regard to the music of the church; "..be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Eph.5:18-21) Instead of seeking to honor the Lord with the instruments which please us, let us hear Him. BACK TO THE FOOY HOME PAGE