Hymns

It's those words that are put into a book and people used to sing.  So many churches have thrown those books away and opted for the big screen and more contemporary songs.  Have you listened or read the words to the songs written lately?  I could sing them as a love song to my husband.  They are not worship songs.  I do not think they were intended to be used in a worship setting, however so many churches are "guilting" people with these songs.  I used to feel so guilty during the singing of some of these songs.  The lyrics of the songs were sang over and over until someone just couldn't stand it any more and would go down the aisle.  It wasn't a new Christian walking the aisle.  It was someone who felt so guilty about their life that they wanted to "renew" their life.  But, what about those who aren't believers!  How it must make them feel?  I do think that God can use songs to teach us.  But they don't save us!  We need to make sure we disciple those who are in need.  Not guilt them into changing! 

God  wants us to "walk that aisle" of life and choose Him every day.  He wants us to take the worship and focus on Him.  When we sing some of those songs mentioned above sometimes we take the focus off the Lord and place it on man.  That is not worship!  I don't know what it is, but it's not how the Lord would have us to worship.  At least not at Christ Covenant Church in Olive Branch, MS.

I haven't always been a fan of the hymns.  They were too "theological" for me.  Some of them didn't make sense to me.  Well, those thoughts have gone by the wayside and I embrace the words of those hymns now.  I have many favorites!  I know my husband does, who is the pastor.

I am not saying that all the contemporary songs out there are not good for worship.  I like some of them and listen to many on either the radio or on CD.  We take our worship on Sunday mornings seriously and that means we do our best to the best of our ability to do what we think is appropriate for worship.  That means we use a hymnal. 

God instructed us as parents to teach our children.  That means in all aspects of life.  Even in song.  I want my kids to grow up and say, "Hey, I sang that as a child."  I actually would like for them to know quite a few of them and not even need the book.  I want them to have the hymns memorized.  That would be my goal.  If we can retain the word of God, along with words of hymns, then no one can take that away from us.  No matter what situation we are in.  He can use the song or the words of the songs to witness to others, to comfort us, to reproof us; why there are many things those songs can do for us!  I already know they can be very comforting in time of need.  And, God always knows what we need! 

Jesus love me, this I know.  For the Bible tells me so!