2008 Woodie Awards
Worship article misses the point
Sean Moore
Issue date: 4/1/04 Section: Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
Overall, I was deeply offended by Jon Rector's article titled "God desires virtuoso musicians to lead praise and worship" in last week's Omnibus. I should begin by admitting he hit the mark on one issue. I agree that musical worship does indeed come from the heart and that Christians should seek to honor God rather than wow their friends with their abilities. Unfortunately, that was the extent of any reasonable discussion in the article. I will seek to elucidate three particular problems.
First, he proposed that "advanced musical training should not only be recommended, but made essential for all musicians intending to glorify God with their talent. God does not want a decent musician. He wants a virtuoso musician." Where does God say this? God is not interested in the mere talent of a worshipper, but rather the spiritual state of the worshipper's heart. Remember the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure in heart," and in another place, "an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshippers."
As it follows, then, if all the worshipper knows is the "three-chord praise and worship template," but still brings his whole heart to the altar as his spiritual service of worship, would not God accept his offering? Music should not be so complex that only a few people are able to play or participate in musical praise to God.
Secondly, he danced with the concept that God could make mistakes, saying that He might "regret" bestowing musical talent on someone "in the first place." I believe God, who knows all things, has a plan when He gives someone a talent. He does not wildly distribute skill. God does not regret giving us the opportunities to use his gifts. Whether we do or do not use those gifts when the opportunity arises can cause God to grieve our mistakes, but not regret his perfect will for our lives.
Finally, someone's interest in leading worship does not necessitate joining the music department. There is a great need for Christians in the secular workplace, and there is a place for "laymen" worship leaders in the church or other setting.
I believe, contrary to the idea that "God desires a virtuoso musician," God desires a virtuous musician with a pure heart willing to lead His people in praise and worship. Sophomore Sean Moore
First, he proposed that "advanced musical training should not only be recommended, but made essential for all musicians intending to glorify God with their talent. God does not want a decent musician. He wants a virtuoso musician." Where does God say this? God is not interested in the mere talent of a worshipper, but rather the spiritual state of the worshipper's heart. Remember the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure in heart," and in another place, "an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshippers."
As it follows, then, if all the worshipper knows is the "three-chord praise and worship template," but still brings his whole heart to the altar as his spiritual service of worship, would not God accept his offering? Music should not be so complex that only a few people are able to play or participate in musical praise to God.
Secondly, he danced with the concept that God could make mistakes, saying that He might "regret" bestowing musical talent on someone "in the first place." I believe God, who knows all things, has a plan when He gives someone a talent. He does not wildly distribute skill. God does not regret giving us the opportunities to use his gifts. Whether we do or do not use those gifts when the opportunity arises can cause God to grieve our mistakes, but not regret his perfect will for our lives.
Finally, someone's interest in leading worship does not necessitate joining the music department. There is a great need for Christians in the secular workplace, and there is a place for "laymen" worship leaders in the church or other setting.
I believe, contrary to the idea that "God desires a virtuoso musician," God desires a virtuous musician with a pure heart willing to lead His people in praise and worship. Sophomore Sean Moore
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