By: Joel Ramirez
We are wrapping up an excellent class in the adult Wednesday Bible studies regarding the songs in our song book. The point has been made, and rightly so, that we need to consider the words we sing as songs are a form of teaching as well as worshiping. Too often, we find songs that make us feel good or contain a catchy rhythm and melody that is pleasing to our ears. Music also has a powerful influence on our memory and when you consider that our most treasured memories are of those we love, how could we not hold dear to songs we have sung with beloved brethren throughout the years? That is simply the sentimental connection that music has that ties emotion to human experiences. But it is so important to also consider that some of these songs do not contain the same sentimental value to our Lord and Savior as they do to us because they do not profess truth. We are subject to the same pitfalls that snare others in the religious world with doing things because it makes US feel closer to God or brings US comfort. Many would point out that burning candles to saints or performing rituals that are not scriptural bring comfort and a feeling of closeness to God, but it simply is not so. How many have been laid astray because they want to hold on to worldly aspects that brought them pleasure but hold no spiritual value? It is not wrong to have that connection to a song or to enjoy a tune but where we fail God is trying to use it in the act of worship. Leviticus 10:1 tells of Nadab and Abihu attempting something similar by “offering strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.” The fire Nadab and Abihu may have been useful for light or for cooking, but it was not what God had commanded of them. God has commanded us to worship him in spirit in truth and anything else is akin to a strange fire and an offense to God. So, looking at the songs we use, it is so important to remember that unless it is scripture, these songs are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. We must consider these songs with the same concern that we have for anyone preaching the word. Is it scriptural? Has the writer or speaker been able to leave out opinions and prejudices and provide truth? Man is fallible and capable of making mistakes. This is where our own studying gives us the correct lenses to examine these things. Put simply, 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 states “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Unfortunately, a published song is not as easily corrected as a spoken lesson can be. So, it is up to each of us to carefully examine these songs as none of them carry the same spiritual construction as the book of Psalms. But I give you this to consider. We have many songs that are being sung in our building during the hours of bible classes that do contain construction by the Holy Spirit and are excellent teaching tools as well. We have people singing these songs as well with all their heart, mind and strength. Chances are, you at some point have also sung the same songs with as much fervor. I am talking of the songs we refer to as the children’s songs. These are songs that were written to help teach scripture, biblical facts, as well as how to worship God. Perhaps, we would do well to consider some of these songs for adult classes for the same reasons and to relate our worship of God with the same intensity. In Luke 18:17, Jesus said “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therin.” I submit that there may be more to these songs than what we consider. My children have a CD recorded by a denominational pastor, Steve Green, named “Hide ‘Em In Your Heart”. It is often playing in the car when the family is loaded up. This presents a perfect opportunity to teach scripture to those who may still be learning to read. One of their favorite songs is “The Fruit of the Spirit”. The lyrics are taken from Galatians 5:22 and 25 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” and “if we live in the Spirit, we keep in step with the Spirit.” The song, like the scripture, gives us the reason we should know what the fruit of Spirit is. If we live in the Spirit, we keep in step with the Spirit. If you want to know if you are living spiritually, we have these attributes to compare to our actions. This is the reason Paul wrote of this fruit to the congregation in Galatia and why it has been preserved by the Holy Word. The song gives us an easily remembered reference to those attributes and a place in our minds. Another song is “Where Your Treasure Is” taken from Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where neither moth nor rust doeth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” These words by Jesus give us precedence on where our spiritual goal lies. This is a powerful lesson for someone at the beginning of life to help set a lifetime goal as well as those of us who are further along in our race to heaven. Once again, the song gives scriptural context to a memorable harmony. As I mentioned, songs are useful tools to help us learn biblical facts as well. Even as I write this and look up scripture, the books of the Bible have a musical index in my mind. Anyone who searches for the books of Acts and Romans and hears “Acts and the letters to the Romans” knows exactly what I mean. The song “The books of the New Testament” was one of the first songs that I was able to memorize the lyrics to. This song has stuck with me my entire life and still is a powerful tool when I am looking up scripture. “The books of the Od Testament” also provides the books set to a melody that helps one to retain the order. Another song we use to teach biblical facts is the Apostles song. This song lists the 12 apostles to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”. This helps to build a biblical foundation for everyone who is studying the New Testament and gives a quick reference to those that were called by Jesus. The list of these types of songs goes on and all are as useful as the list is long. Last, I want to highlight the enthusiasm that a child has when singing a song. As a song leader standing at the front of the congregation, I have the great opportunity of hearing the blending of all the voices singing. One of the voices that stands out to me is our dear Jackson Navarro. This young man sings with all of his being. Jackson has been getting involved with choir at school and has a truly powerful voice. I am encouraged when I think of this young man as a future song leader and someone who can lead singing with the same conviction. James 5:13 says “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing in psalms.” We have great reasons to be merry. Our God loves us so much that he sent His only begotten Son so that should not perish in our own sins. I can not think of any greater reason to be merry. We are coming together every time we meet as a congregation with those that we look forward to spending eternity with, yet another great reason to be merry. Ephesians 5:19-20, Paul teaches us “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things unto god and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I am reminded of the adage “if you talk, you can sing”. Much like art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We must consider who is beholding our songs. God is spirit and it is not the sound coming out of our mouths that God hears but the melody in our hearts. If we combine this with words of truth, then we can give God what is the sweet savor of our worship that He is seeking. So, maybe we should learn from the children as did the apostles. We can continue to seek out truth in our hymns and let our songs express how merry we are to be the children of God.