Music for Worship
 | Worship Articles
by Ron Man
Pastor of Music and Worship, EXW Contributor
April 30, 2006
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Excellence as a Means Rather than an End
Excellence is called for all of our human endeavors: "whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the
glory of God" (Col.3:17). God is glorified in our creative endeavors when we give of our very best,
for our best reflects most closely (though, of course, in a very faint shadow) the image of the One
who in His creative acts bestowed on us that image, including the ability to create (undoubtedly the
most "Godlike" attribute which a creature can possess).
Actually all creative activity glorifies God, even that which is poorly or sloppily done, for even our
most slovenly effort is infinitely above any random or accidental juxtaposition of raw materials by
irrational forces: intention, even of the most misguided sort, bespeaks intelligence and personality.
Even the decision to give less than one's best is a divinely enabled response of inestimable wonder,
a moral choice of which only God's choicest creations are capable.
But obviously the relatively closer we attain to His standards of beauty and quality and efficiency
and exactitude (however many light years from perfection we inevitably remain), the truer we are to
the divine spark within us. Excellence becomes Him who is of infinite excellencies!
How much more should these things be true when the creative activities in question are those
directly related to the corporate worship of God by His people, when the endeavors speak
explicitly and obviously of God Himself, and seek to communicate directly His special revelation
and to proclaim overtly His very nature? Then, of all times, we should marshall our greatest
concentration, talent, effort and consistency. Certainly a meeting with the Sovereign of the Universe
deserves as much considered preparation, dignity, and attention as that important job interview,
that dinner party, that joyful wedding!
Music is a gift of God specially designed and ideally suited as a vehicle for the praise and adoration
of God, and God deserves the very best musical expressions to be lifted up in his honor on the lips
of His dear children. The creative act in the making of music for worship in fact parallels very
closely the neverending business of heaven, which is likewise musical worship (Revel. 5:9-10).
"Music for worship" says it all: the end is worship, and the means is music.
But the closer a creation is to God, the greater its potential for evil and idolatry if diverted short of
its divine focus (witness Lucifer). And music can all too easily become an idol if the desire for
excellence in its performance becomes an end in itself. Even the word "performance" is dangerous,
as it implies something presented for an audience which is less proficient in that particular field. In
worship music is offered (by the congregation, or on behalf of the congregation) rather than
performed; it is offered to the One who thought it all up in the first place, to the One who gave it to
His creatures that they might with gratitude return it to Him. We should offer the best we can (none
less than the best of the flock was demanded for sacrifice in the Old Testament); yet, as also in the
Old Testament, the heart attitude of the one offering the sacrifice of praise is of far more
significance and value to God than the quality of the sacrifice itself. The true end of worship music is
the satisfaction and pleasure of One who graciously and gladly receives such gifts, as does the
parent who cherishes the intrinsically worthless present from a child because of the expression of
relationship and love inherent in that act of giving (to use C.S. Lewis' analogy).
So by all means, let us be careful to never enter into the presence of our transcendent and holy God
with musical offerings which are hastily prepared or lazily executed. But let us likewise be careful to
realize that all of our best preparation and execution are but widows' mites dropped into the
Master's treasury, which He nonetheless welcomes and cherishes.
May we strive to offer to God our musical sacrifices of praise with excellence, and may we be
transported by such means to the heavenly end of worship!
User Opinions:
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| Total: 5 Opinions - Displaying: 3 of 5 | Read More... |
Worship Muscians/Singers need to be skillful
Its always interesting to read articles/comments when dealing with the topic of "excellence" in Worship Arts. As a Music Pastor, I am responsible for helping our Worship Leaders serve our church with their musical talents and skills. Yes, we should n...more
Submitted by: Steve Hotra
Location: Vancouver, WA
Excellence for excellence sake?
I have to say that I disagree with several points in this article, but the one I disagree with the most is this idea of "excellence". As we know, man looks at the outward appearence, God looks at the heart. Worship done "badly" ie without obvious (w...more
Submitted by: shaun
Location: Australia
It's an interesting conundrum
we are called to worship God, and yet we are so completely unworthy to do so. I've found the most important form of preparation is prayer, because in reality only God can allow your worship to be acceptable to Him. it doesn't matter how good you are,...more
Submitted by: Rob
Location: State College, PA
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