Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:19)
Have you ever contemplated why God gave the gift of music to us? I have. I’ve wondered why humans are the only creatures who create music. Oh sure, many people think that whales, birds, and other animals “sing” – but while those animals are creating sound with varying pitches, they’re not really making music.
I think the gift of music is incredibly significant; important enough that maybe it’s a clue to the whole “created in God’s image” idea. Music plays a crucial role in how we love God, how we communicate with Him, and how we communicate with each other.
Let’s consider music’s role in how we love God. We know that we are supposed to love God with all our heart (our emotional core), our mind (our intellectual capacity), our strength (our ability to accomplish), and our soul. Hmmm. How does one love God with one’s soul? My opinion: music, being the language of the soul, is how we love Him that way. We are hardwired to use music as a religious expression.
Music also helps us to communicate with God. A well-written song can say for us what we otherwise would have difficulty getting across to Him. The modern worship movement has reawakened many Christians to this vital role of music. This is what I think Paul had in mind when he wrote the second half of the verse quoted above.
The first half of that verse shows us just how important music is to how we communicate with each other. Music can teach, it can enlighten, it can motivate, it can convict, it can entertain – somehow, communication is deeper when words, melody, chords, and rhythm are combined.
I know that I’m preaching to the choir. You’re a Youth Leader Only member, which tells me that you are keenly aware that music matters. Since that’s true, you’re going to LOVE this issue of YLO. There are so many awesome resources in this collection; here at interlínc we’ve been calling this a “monster box.” This YLO is loaded with the biggest bands in Christian music – Skillet, Hawk Nelson, Leeland, Pillar, KJ-52, Shane & Shane. We’ve also included popular bands Switchfoot, Flyleaf, and Jonas Brothers, who are making a huge impact in the mainstream world. With this YLO we’re introducing you to bands like B. Reith, Fee, Manic Drive, and Abandon Kansas – groups you might never have encountered on your own.
The music on those albums is just a part of this “monster box.” You’ve also received the DVD from Walking On Water – your young friends will really enjoy watching it. There are the Music Matters articles in this magazine, Heart of the Artist interviews, a well-written modern worship article from Leeland, reTuned discussion guides, lead sheets, comparison chart, and on and on and on.
Thank you for making the most of music in your youth ministry!
Ken McCoy
Editor |
