Parents tend to judge their parenting based on “big things.” By “big things,” I mean major events and accomplishments — getting the child baptized, getting them through college, getting them married well, keeping them off drugs, etc. But it has been my experience that “little things,” daily spiritual maintenance and life guidance, tend very strongly to lead to the “big things.”
What does two hours of “worship piano” sound like? I had to know. After all, the all-knowing YouTube seems to have thought I would like it.
And I did, I guess. I love piano music. Very relaxing, very melodic. As good, at least, as the rain forest noises that accompany my typical Sunday afternoon nap.
I wouldn’t call it “worship,” though. If you want to argue the piano player was “worshiping” during the performance, we can have that discussion another time. But I certainly wasn’t worshiping. I was listening.
Advocates for a capella (or non-instrumental) music in worship frequently turn to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. Neither of these prohibits instruments in so many words; rather, they describe the actions of worshipful, thankful hearts as they address their Father to offer Him praise. That said, these and every other passage in the New Testament that refer to music in the assembly mentions and emphasizes singing. Instruments are not mentioned at all.
This constitutes a pattern.
The famous Gallup polling company recently did some research as to why people attend church assemblies. The biggest two reasons: sermons that teach about Scripture, and sermons that help relate Scripture to everyday life. The smallest response came with regard to “a good choir, praise band, or other spiritual music.” Interesting.
