Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5

Friday, June 12, 2009

Something I see happening all the time

Christian songs. Are there really such a thing? Many times I hear my Christian friends professing their love for a certain song by their favorite Christian band, or admiring their favorite Christian artist or singer. I cannot help but feel that they are treating these songs and artists as just another genre of music, instead of musicians and lyrics devoted to worshiping God. If you know me, then you would know that I would never put one of these so-called “Christian” songs on my playlist among other songs and seldom listen to them casually. That is because I don’t believe I can treat that specific song as one of worship if the song before and after it are not. If you can listen to listen to a “un-Christian” song one moment, enjoy the music and the lyrics and feeling relaxed, and all of the sudden transform into worshiping God mode when a “Christian” song pops up, then you are very special. But I don’t think I can do that, nor most people I know.

Now back to the concept surrounding the label “Christian” songs. What makes these songs different from all other songs? Are they more than a genre? Is their musicality, audience, and appeal to popular culture much different from other pop songs? A good friend of mine told me that the difference is in the lyrics. “Christian” songs are such because of the lyrics that are written to invoke a sense of worship and love. There is a power within the words that makes the listener want to jump up for joy and give their heart to God. In a way it makes sense, but at the same time, there are many other songs that have similar lyrics, with similar words like love, hope, faith, God, worship, heaven etc, that are definitely not written with the intent of worship.

Again, when people mention Christian bands or Christian artists on how their voices are beautiful or how they are great musicians and how they love them and such, I cannot help but imagine that my friends are just treating them like any other band or artist out there. It is as if Christians need their own genre of music to fit in culture or to equate themselves like their peers. Then the artists become idols of this world. Another good friend of mine related Christian artists to pastors: leaders, role-models, and people whose duty is to bring others to Christ and help them understand what it means to worship and walk with God. I believe this similarity is very true, but then the vice versa is also true. Pastors can become idols too. Consider this scenario (which is real and has happened many times before). There was a church that had a very well-known pastor. His sermons were captivating, and his voice was mesmerizing. He gave great advice and was very strong in his walk with God. His congregation could be considered one of the most blessed in the nation. But for some reason he retired, or left, or even died. After that, his successor did not match the fervor or captivation that the pastor had. Soon after, more than 3/4 of the church left. That pastor may have never intended or even imagine it, but he had become an idol in the eyes of his congregation. No longer do they go to his church for worship or fellowship. They are not there for God, but for him.

Same with Christian artists. I believe most of them are sincere in that they write and sing for God and for his kingdom. They are in positions of leadership and are beacons of light to many of their listeners. But they are also dancing on the line between being a leader for God and being an idol or a celebrity. That is because there is money involved. Money has the power to corrupt, and so does influence. As artists with many admirers, it is very hard for their fans to see both them and God when listening to those songs. I believe that more than not, the artist blocks out God and take all the glory. Again I emphasize that their motivation is probably for good, but it is the fault of their listeners that they become idols

To the point: I do not believe there are “Christian” songs, but I do believe in “songs of worship.” To treat these songs only for their choice of words, musicality, or similarity in tone with other cultural songs, or treat the artists due to their looks, voice, or skill, then all we have done is fallen into idolatry. In the end, we Christians should not listen to the songs just because they are called “Christian” or written/sung by “Christian” artists. Then we are just treating “Christianity” as a label, desensitizing the meaning of the word to satisfy our need to secure a niche in society. It isn’t about the songs, or the artists, or the lyrics themselves. It is about worshiping God. It is about lifting your eyes up toward Him and having a steadfast heart before Him. It is about praising Him and loving Him with all you got. The power of worship comes from God himself, not from lyrics, not from musical notes, and not from humans. It is ironic that God provides the spirit of worship so that we can worship Him. It sounds pretty roundabout, but if He did not do that, then we would be cut out of the picture. He allowed us to worship him for our sake. Now even though there aren’t “Christian” songs that contain any power to conjure a spirit of worship within a person, they do facilitate in it. So does the motivation behind the songs. To me, the songs are the testimonies of the artist, representing their walk with God and the trials and tribulations they had faced in their lives. Even if the original intent of the song was to earn money and gain fame, anyone can turn that song into one for worship. Same is true for “non-Christian” songs. It is possible to turn a few love songs into songs of worship by imagining the “he” within the lyrics as God. Also, no one needs songs to worship of God. Worship isn’t about songs or singspiration. Those are only forms of worship. It is perfectly fine for a person to pull up some of these songs, and have their own little worship time, and it is wonderful to sing in a congregation together as one voice lifted up toward God, but worship is much more than that. It is living out every second of one’s life for God. Christians do not need to conform to the world, create idols for themselves, or follow the god of the world. All we have to do is worship God and keep fellowship.

"Too many equate being emotionally moved by music as being moved by the Spirit, but these are not the same. Real worship happens when your spirit responds to God, not some musical tone. In fact, some sentimental, introspective songs hinder worship because they take the spotlight off God and focus on our feelings." - Rick Warren

Edit: So, I realized that the musical artists are leaders in the Christian faith in their own right. They walk a narrow path of pop star and worship leader, but most have true passion in leading people to God. Only the viewers and listeners decide whether to focus on them as idols, or as spiritual leaders. Only us, the congregation, decide how to live our lives and fill our hearts.

Here I am to Worship (In English & Chinese)

1. 神你是光 Light of the world, 你照亮了黑暗 You step down into darkness.
開我眼讓我看見 Opened my eyes let me see. 你的榮美 Beauty that made
讓我心渴慕你 this heart adore you
希望與你不分離 Hope of a life spent with you.

(副歌)所以,我在這裡敬拜 [Chorus] And here I am to worship, 屈膝向你跪拜 Here I am to bow down,
大聲宣告你是我的神 Here I am to say that you're my God, 噢, 你是如此美好 You're altogether lovely,
你是如此配得 Altogether worthy,
我在這裡敬拜你聖名 Altogether wonderful to me.


2. 萬王之王 King of all days,
坐在至高寶座上 Oh so highly exalted
散發榮耀的光芒 Glorious in heaven above.
謙卑自己 Humbly you came
來到你所造之地 to the earth you created.
為了愛犧牲自己(副歌) All for love's sake became poor.


**我不知道多少代價 I'll never know how much it cost
能使我罪釘上十架 (x3) to see my sin upon that cross. And I'll never know how much it cost
(Repeat 副歌) to see my sin upon that cross. No I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. (Chorus)

Source http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTqcISKrH7E&feature=related

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