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Every once in awhile I’ll be leading worship when I’m overwhelmed by a thought that is so novel I think, “If I share this, they will think I’m crazy.” But since I’m kind of a risk taker, I usually say it.
Last Sunday, we were singing “Your Grace Is Enough” and getting ready for “Mighty to Save.” Two winners in a row will surely get them singing! Well, during “Your Grace Is Enough,” I had this thought … When I sing “Happy Birthday” do I really mean it? Think about it. The song is a blessing. We are wishing, praying, hoping for … a happy … a blessed birthday.
So, I’ll ask you the same questions I asked my church. With a show of hands, how many of you have sung “Happy Birthday” in the last month? Thank you, I see that hand, I see that hand. Now, you don’t have to raise your hand for this one. How many of you meant it? How many of you were singing that song as a purposeful, heartfelt blessing? Well, me neither.
One my favorite things my pastor often says is “Christianity is more than thinking but never less.” I like to substitute the word “worship” there. Worship IS more than thinking – it’s physical, emotional, and spiritual. But it is never less than thinking. Our minds should be just as engaged in our worship as our mouths, our hands, and our emotions.
Isn’t it sad that we can sing a lyric like “Your grace is enough” and then walk away and try to live in the flesh (Paul had a lot to say about this to the Galatians!)? So, practically, here are some things I often encourage worshippers to do while singing:
1.   Think deeply about the lyrics. What does that mean? Is it true? If it is true, then what?
2.   Is this lyric taken directly from Scripture? If so, where? If not, what Scriptures support it?
3.   Do I believe what I’m singing?
4.   If I believed what I’m singing, how would it change my life, my outlook on life, the way I live, the way I pray, the way I interact with God and others, etc.?
Sunday night, we were sitting around the dinner table, when we remembered it was my niece’s birthday. When we got her on the phone, my kids erupted into a heartfelt, passionate rendition of “Happy Birthday.” I could see on their faces that they “got it.” Their cousin got it too.
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 18:3)
Travis Jones has been involved in worship ministry for the last 19 years. He is currently serving as the Minister of Worship at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas, where he, his wife, and their four children have been involved for six years.
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