Concerning an
article I read on the loss of hymnals, I feel the need to express my thoughts on it due to my strong love of music and especially of Yahushua's message of love for us as believers. I enjoy both hymnals and contemporary Christian music. I do not think one is better or superior than the other, I do not think hymnals are holier or more refined than CCM, hymnals don't make you more spiritual anymore than CCM, although I do believe that ALL music takes you into a spiritual world. As for hymnals becoming 'lost’ there will always be remnant of those who keep them, and maybe perhaps they might be 'rediscovered’ and sing them again in a century or two. You never know. However, in being a lover of both simplistic and complex music alike, I have to strongly disagree with some of the contents in the article. I understand some of the information given and the reasons on why the author made certain points, but since I dearly love my Father and Savior, and His gift to us, Music, I must offer some insight as well.
First, if taken historically, these specific hymnals aren't the songs of Zion. They originated from the churches in Europe (Catholic Church), and America (Protestant Church). Songs like the gospel hymns suggested in this article are nowhere near the musical or lyrical structures of the middle East.
Secondly, it is untrue that skill is fading in our day and age; Skill is not determined by the hymnals you know, skill varies from styles even to centuries. David played his harp for Saul, and he played with skill! And this was long before the age of gospel hymnals. He plucked the common melodies of the East as European music and Middle Eastern musical styles are obviously different. Beauty and skill alike are in the eyes of the beholder, and to put down other genres of worship to lift yours up is a common pattern among humanity. We will always see our way as the best way. And this is simply the author's opinion.
I disagree to his alluding to hymnal books are basically better than PowerPoint software and other devices on screen for the crowds to see. Both have pros and cons, but you shouldn't put one down to make the other seem more 'refined' somehow. Yes, I know that PowerPoint technology can be a hassle as you sit there awkwardly trying to follow the musicians while the guy in the back stumbles to find the next slide for the current verse, but bound hymnals also can have disadvantages. Even though memorized, how could you raise up your hands in worship while holding a book most of the time? Or do you not do that with hymnals? Please hear me out. They are two very different formats for two very different reasons. We mustn't put either one of them down as they serve different functions.
And as for harmonies, I disagree. Music is a precious gift that Yahweh created for us and Himself, it is a wonder and awe to mankind and creation. Simplistic or complex alike possess a secret key to the doors of our hearts. Music is powerful in all forms, but I believe that the music that Yahweh bestows upon the writers who have hearts for Him are the most glorious of all, whether they were the writers of hymnals or our current Christian individuals. While we are putting down CCM for being too repetitive with no harmonies and basic chord structures, could we possibly be putting down the melodies and lyrics from Yahweh's own heart? His own words to minister to the hearts of millions in our lifetime? Yahweh isn’t impressed by harmonies or choirs, orchestras or hymnals people sing. He is concerned with our hearts. A man that has a heart for the Father and a desire to worship Him but only sings half decently with his guitar playing very simplistic melodies is far greater than the most skillful symphony in Yahweh's eyes. Because He's not into performance, he's into the hearts of man.
Although harmonies are a glorious marvel to the ears, it does not necessarily make a song 'better' or show a reflection of the heart. Words are even more powerful. Let us not put down or lift too highly melody structures of praise to our Father. It's all about Him anyways. I'm not saying that hymnals and complex melodies aren't pleasing to Yahweh, I'm just saying that we need to keep our focus straight and not get so caught up in musical structures that its not even about Him anymore.
To those who can play skillfully, sing hymnals and harmonies, Praise Yah! Get closer to Him! But remain humble about it. Don't put down the simple, repetitive songs of today's Worship that touches and moves people's lives. Nowhere in Yahweh's word does He indicate the prime importance of structural melodies, but He does require for us to give Him all we've got, and most importantly our hearts. For who are we to call Yahweh's work 'not good enough’? Let us not be like the Pharisees who performed fasts, festivals, sacrifices but whose hearts were far from seeking Yahweh.
The Pharisees who deemed the harlots, tax collectors, and sinners unworthy, Yahushua dwelt among them.
And the skilled musicians who call the clumsy, tone deaf, and unsophisticated musicians and their music, 'unrefined’, Yahushua will raise them up and sit among them, and shine his love to the broken.
And to those who play simplistically, who only know those four ‘repetitive’ chord structures, Praise Yah! Get closer to Him! But don't be afraid to give Him your best. You can go farther, for you can do all things through Messiah who strengthens you! And if it is your best, don't let the enemy beat you down!
If you grow to develop skill, remember where you started and don't forget! Don't get haughty! But remain humble and keep your eyes on Him.
Worship, praise and even hymnals are all about Him and what He's developing in us. Appreciate music whether simplistic or complex. We can have preferred tastes in music, but to deem one worthless and less than, especially if it is to with our heavenly Father is a big difference compared to dislike. Above all, it is the message behind each song that reaches hearts.
And Yahushua is all about it.
All Yahweh wants to do is captivate our hearts, but we’re all too busy listening to the music instead of listening to His voice and message.
We're so busy being divided in the body over hymnals and CCM that our focus is skewed off Him.
Like I said before, we can have likes and dislikes. But to put each other down in the body isn't a dislike and doesn't make us more saved, refined, holier, closer, or more spiritual, Yahushua is the only one who can fulfill these things. And once we come to this place we can simply enjoy music without clinging onto the things that make us somehow better or worthier of Him. Whether it be simplistic or complex, the message of the song will be far greater than the external elements. Let us allow Yahweh to be the judge of all, and yes... even in music.
But above all, the heart of this music is to open our hearts, ushering us ever closer to His.
