Carnal Worship

1 Peter 1:13-16King James Version (KJV)

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

One thing heavy on my heart this week is the concept of what I call "carnal worship." We as Christians are to strive for holiness because we serve a holy God. Everything we do in this life as a Christian should ultimately glorify God, and we die daily to self as we separate ourselves from the world and unto our holy, righteous heavenly Father. Christian rock bands that perform in front of a congregation or group of people in the name of worship often make a disgrace of God's holiness.  Not every worship team does, but many of you know what I'm talking about.  

As I try to sing the words, I cannot participate because I feel in my spirit that I am sinning against God.  I feel like I am compromising my testimony to even be in that place.  Yes, being in a church or worship service and feeling that I am displeasing God...there is definitely something wrong with this picture!  And as I look around at those in the congregation, many don't look like they are singing unto the Lord, either, but feeling something in their body as evidenced by the way they are moving it.  

Romans 12:1-2King James Version (KJV)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Why does today's Christian culture let the world system dominate so-called "worship music"? Call it what you want, but I am deeply grieved by it. It almost brings me to tears when I hear it; it's a real problem that I fear few recognize.  I look at these groups singing words that do not match their body movements or music, or even the setting.  There is a disconnect.  These are people who truly love the Lord in most cases. So what I don't understand is why they are trying to appeal to the flesh with words that are supposed to appeal to the spirit?

An even greater mystery to me is why there is not an outcry by godly leaders or even godly people in the congregation against it? There are a few, but not nearly enough.  This was a no-brainer when I was a teenager.  This kind of music was rejected by mainstream Christianity, and never would have imagined it ever being let in to the church or any kind of worshipful setting.  Are people afraid to speak up, or are they numb to the world's influence?  In my case, I was a guest, so did not say anything.  

Titus 2:11-13King James Version (KJV)

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

I am very anxious for my book, "Choosing Music Wisely: Revolutionizing Christian Music in the 21st Century" to be finalized. It's in the layout stage, should be done hopefully in a month or so. I am optimistic that it will make sense to those who read it, and is my prayer that Christians everywhere will take it to heart and revolutionize today's Christian music to something that reflects Christ and not this fallen world system.  

Don't be afraid to speak up, Christian.  If you are in a church that has music that you feel is contrary to the Spirit of God, and you know in your spirit it is wrong, humbly approach the worship leader and/or pastor after praying about the situation, and asking for wisdom and guidance from the Lord.  A Spirit-led leader and pastor will take your concerns seriously and pray upon it.  And I am sure there are some songs they are doing right, so perhaps you can point those ones out. The verses listed in this blog are only a few, but are powerful.  Let God's Word speak for itself.  We each need to search our hearts daily to make sure we are not abiding in ungodliness and worldly lusts, but by the Spirit of God...in everything we do and allow into our hearts and minds.  If enough people speak up it will result in change, and we will revolutionize Christian music into an art that draws us away from the world and unto the Lord.