God’s favorite music genre

What style of music is proper in worship? Are there certain musical instruments that are, or are not, appropriate for formal worship on Sunday mornings? Are there certain types of songs or hymns that please God more than another? I think the answer to these questions is even more diverse than our denominational stances. Probably every Christian has some form of varying opinion on this issue. I come from a very conservative Baptist background. I am not ashamed of that. Instead, I am proud of my roots and the theological foundation that was laid for me. However, whether we Baptists like to admit it or not, we have our own forms of liturgy. Ours is unwritten, but it exists nonetheless. I assure you this is the case. Should you doubt that, just try and make a change to the song service, however slight, and watch the discomfort and displeasure that ensues. Whether it is something as minor as singing more contemporary songs or adding a new instrument to the worship service, eyebrows will be raised and there will be talk. Why is this the case? Because we all have our own opinions as to what is fitting or proper and what is not. While I cannot speak for every brand of Baptist, nor are any two churches just alike, we all get comfortable with a certain “style” of worship, and to some varying degree we consider our way the right way (perhaps even the only way) to properly worship God. Yet, as I began to make my way through the Bible studying the subject of music and the instruments God ordained to be used in worship, I was surprised to learn how very diverse the Lord is on the matter. Further, it became obvious that God delights in far more styles and genres than we often do. For example: • Some congregations dislike singing newer hymns, yet the Bible states in at least five different places we are to sing to the Lord a new song. (Psalms 33:3, 96:1, 98:1, 149:1 and Isaiah 42:10) • Other groups insist that only hymns should be sung and reject “praise and worship music” outright. However, Ephesians 5:19 states that we are to sing unto the Lord psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Making mention of three different types or styles of music.• There are other individuals or denominations that insist certain instruments are not proper for formal worship, yet the 150th Psalm makes it clear that any and every instrument that could be crafted by man should be used in praise of the Almighty.While I am not suggesting that every form of music (or instrument) is suitable for every congregation, I will insist that we must not try and limit what pleases God to only what pleases us. God’s favorite playlist may be far different than our own.

While we all have our own preferences, we cannot assume that the Almighty only fancies the same genre of music that we prefer. God doesn’t just like the kind of music that you and I like. That may be a tough pill to swallow, but it is good medicine for the soul. In fact, a double dose of that statement would be healthy for us, so I say again, God doesn’t just like the kind of music you like. We must realize that God delights in music made by countless different voices and instruments made in different cultures and in different centuries. Whether it is a piano or cymbals, or a harp or trumpet, or dried animal skins stretched over a barrel, anything that can be used to make music, should be used in praise of God.Even if that goes against our preferences and religious rituals; God is worthy.

I have often wondered what would happen if a group of Levites marched into the average Baptist church and began playing the traditionally loud and varied music and instruments that was normal during the Old Testament feasts and holy days? It is highly likely the majority of the membership would grab their chests and fall out of their well-worn spot in the pew. Yet, would it not be wrong of us to suggest that this God ordained form of worship is improper?

I admit, that this way of thinking is contrary to the ultra-conservative manner in which I was raised, but I would suggest that affording every Christian and every congregation the right to praise God in the manner in which they see fit (under the confines of Holy Writ) is a Biblical approach to Christian liberty and worship.

Readers, Jesus Christ and His redemptive work as the Risen Messiah is worthy of the highest and best musical art forms that fallen men can create. May God give us the desire to worship Him in a way, not that first and foremost pleases us, but rather … pleases Him. Music that is played (or sung) from a heart full of thanksgiving certainly delights God. I think heartfelt gratitude must be God’s favorite genre, regardless of what instrument is used.

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