Singing Is Worship

By Rob Albright

    If we go to the Bible for our authority in matters of religion, we become a distinctive group of believers. Many in the religious world simply do things because others are doing it or because it “feels good.” For some people, it does not matter if God authorized it or not, they will always do what they want to do, instead of doing what God says to do.
    Jesus taught that it is hypocritical to honor Him with our lips yet continue to do things that are opposed to His teachings. It also makes our worship empty (Mark 7:6-9).
    In the matter of music in our worship assemblies God has authorized one kind of music. It’s vocal (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Singing is a specific kind of music and when God specifies vocal music that eliminates the other kind of music, which is instrumental. The words sung both edify each other and praise God. Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs can do both (edify one another and praise God), but an organ, guitar and drums cannot teach and admonish or praise God.
    Why would we want to do that which God has not authorized? Why disrupt unity by doing something that is opposite what God has authorized?
    Let’s continue to be a people who respect God’s way for worship and not be swayed by the traditions of men.

- Rob Albright serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/