When in our music God is glorified

This is the theme for King of Kings Lutheran Church's music ministry (the congregation I serve) for this 2009-2010 year. In preparing for our music ministry retreat on August 8th, I have been spending lots of time thinking and praying about the words of this hymn.

1. When in our music God is glorified
And adoration leaves no room from pride
It is as if the whole creation cried: Alleluia!


Most of my life has been surrounded by music. As a pastor's kid, I was very often surrounded by church music, specifically church organ and choral music. While from time to time, I thought that was a little strange (and maybe it was), it developed a foundation deep inside of me that music has a very important and significant role in the worship of God. And I have experienced that numerous times, as no doubt many others have as well. We celebrate with joyful music, we mourn with somber music, and we remember with all kinds of music. But in all of our music, God is glorified. He alone is the creator of music, and ultimately, the only audience we need to concern ourselves with. I've read a lot of books and articles that discuss how the "performance mentality" has crept into church. I've seen it, and I've experienced it. When we are young and taking music lessons, that is what we are taught, practice for performance. When we glorify God with our music, whether it is in tune, or far out of tune, the right notes, or the wrong ones, it is to God as if the whole creation cries. And hopefully not in a bad way! God alone knows our heart and what our motivations are. I hope and pray that our motivations in worship, in leading worship, and in everything related to worship is not for our glory, but for God's glory.

Why do you love music?

That's the question I posed on my Facebook status. There have been a few replies, and the reason I ask this question is because it's been the question going through my head. Music is something that everyone has an opinion on and is exposed to on a fairly regular basis. I have gone through points in my life where I've questioned my passion and love for music, and doing it as a career. Lately, that really hasn't been the question, but how do I get back to the joy and love of playing music, and singing songs like I did when I was younger. I put in my practice, and I do the things I need to be doing in preparation for my "job" responsibilities (or as I prefer to call it, my ministry responsibilities). But, at times, it feels more like a job. One of the things I've started to do in my practicing, is to return to those pieces that I've always wanted to play. Those pieces that were the challenge pieces. But, also, the pieces that are just an absolute blast to play. No reason whatsoever, just for the fun of it!

In answering my question, why do I love music? It is a way to share emotions, feelings, joy, sorrow, love and care for one another without even saying a word. It can be silly fun, it can bring someone to tears (when done beautifully and also horribly!). It can bring a smile to your face when needed after the first 3 chords. In summary, I love music because it is what God created me to do. I just need to step out of the way, and allow God to work through and sing through the music that I play and sing.

Balance

Wow, I've been quite the slacker when it comes to blogging! In my defense, I went through a season of Christmas, and now am jumping into Lent, and also with preparations for our little (or not so little) baby girl coming soon, life has been busy. That's where my thoughts have been going of late. How to balance everything. At times I feel like I'm doing well between balance of being a good husband, musician, and giving myself some down time. But it's very easy to let one take control. Whether I choose to focus on myself having down time, the unbalanced state can be laziness. If I choose to focus on being on the best musician I possibly can, the unbalanced state can be workaholicness. Yes, I just made that word up. I've been guilty of those many times over in my life. Now, I face another thing to juggle into that equation. Being a dad. You see, I grew up with the workaholic example. My dad was a pastor, and there were many times that it seemed that the church was more of a priority than we were. To the point where it didn't really feel like we mattered. I want my daughter and Heather to know that I love them and that they are a priority in my life. Obviously I do have to put in the time, energy and effort to do the necessary things to be prepared to serve, and to lead and encourage others to serve, but I know that it will be a challenge. I've been praying and searching Scriptures for reassurance and strength to do all those things I need, and I know God will give it to me when I need it!