So Sing!
There are a couple of common confusions that have arisen in many congregations recently, regardless of their denomination, demographics, or worship style. It is unclear where these misunderstandings got their start, but they have begun to spread throughout our churches like a virus. The result of these errors is that many individuals in our congregations are choosing not to sing.
One of these misconceptions is the false belief that if you don’t have a good voice then you shouldn’t ever sing, no matter the song or style. Sadly, many people (especially men) have bought into this belief and don’t sing when God’s people gather to worship together. When asked why they don’t sing, they usually respond that they “can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” “no one wants to hear my awful voice,” or they were told by someone, either a teacher or even a family member, that they really shouldn’t sing because they aren’t very good. Unfortunately, this line of thinking gets into that person’s head and heart, so they choose to remain quiet rather than embarrass themselves or disturb others by singing. However, this flies directly in the face of God’s Word which tells His people to “sing a new song to Him…” (Psalm 33:3), to “praise Him with song” (Psalm 100:2), and similar commands found in Scripture. What one will never find in God’s Word is any mention of vocal quality (or perceived vocal quality) as a prerequisite for singing. The Bible never says that only someone with a good voice should sing and all others should keep quiet. Instead, one reads statements such as Psalm 40:3 which says to sing so that others may see you worshiping, as opposed to hear you sing and worship. Singing in corporate (and even private) worship is about obedience to God, not about how good you or anyone else thinks you can sing.
Another disappointing reason that people are choosing not to sing is because, for whatever reason, the song is not their favorite or their personal style preference. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a preferred worship style or favorite songs to sing, there is something wrong with allowing those criteria to determine whether we participate vocally in corporate worship. As God’s people we are called to love and look out for one another. This includes our times of worship. When the Bible tells us to “look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4), I believe this includes not trying to force our favorites and preferences on other brothers and sisters in Christ. Not every song in every style is going to be our favorite. But instead of allowing that to prevent us from worshiping through song, we can use it as an opportunity to display and deepen our love for and commitment to one another. We can look to the interests of others, trusting that they in turn will look to ours. This directive is aimed towards all believers regardless of age. It is too easy and too common to think this is pointed solely at older generations who need to “get with the times” regarding music. It is also directed towards younger believers who can show love for older generations by developing an appreciation for their preferences.
Congregational singing is an important aspect of corporate worship and is vital to the life of a church. When a person can look around the room and see fellow believers singing to God and about who all He is and has done, it can have several positive effects. By seeing the whole congregation worshiping through song, that child of God is encouraged to participate and join in the song. Also, as we put others’ needs and interests ahead of our own, it demonstrates to a lost world the kind of love we have for one another and the love that God has for them. So sing! Don’t be concerned with how well or how poorly you can produce the notes — just sing! Sing to God for what He has done in your life! Sing to God for what He wants to do for others through you! Sing to God because He has told us to! Sing to God because He alone is worthy of our song!
