Today, in church I found myself terribly conflicted because there was at least one worship song that, first, I did not completely understand, and secondly, was not completely biblical. I wanted deeply to worship my Lord in song, but found my voice mute as the band played the song. I am glad that others around me were worshipping God, but I found it difficult because I knew the theology behind it. I knew the song was written by a group that is more cult-like than Christian. Knowing this, I knew that the lyrics, which may appear sound and orthodox, were really far from biblical.
For example, one line says that our shame is undone in the presence of the Lord. This sounds good, but biblically speaking men recognize God’s holiness and their own sinfulness in the presence of the Lord. Consider Moses, Isaiah, or even John the Baptist. In his presence we see our sin and at the cross we know our sin is paid for. At the cross we find that we are no longer condemned or considered guilty, but I am not sure we ever find our shame undone. I imagine I will always be ashamed of my sins, but always looking to the cross for my pardon and living in light of it.
Another line from the song says, “overcome by your presence.” As I continued to reflect on the notes I wrote during the song, I realized I have no idea what this even means. Clearly, the request is to have some kind of experience, some kind of feeling or emotional high, but what? What is it that is being asked? Just a feeling? If so, what kind? What does it look like? How can I ask something of God, when I have no idea what I am asking for? And if this is just a feeling, where is the biblical support for this? Rather, it seems to me, we ought to ask for the Holy Spirit to sanctify us, empower us to resist sin and the Devil, and teach us truth, not some indefinable experience. For what is the good of that experience, if we sin the same or do not know more of the truth?
These are only a few parts of the song, which were bothersome to me, the entire song I found bothersome, but I hope as a result of this that you too will see the importance of singing with your mind and weighing the lyrics against the truth. For, we are called to worship the Lord in spirit and truth because this is how he is most glorified. I am confident that worshipping with songs rich with sound theology will lead to higher more satisfying worship of the Almighty.