Contemporary Gospel Music: Who Gets the Glory? By Major Elina Materu
Key Scripture
"But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3, NKJV)
Introduction
Gospel music is a powerful tool in the worship of God. It serves as a medium to express adoration, gratitude, and reverence to our Creator. However, in recent years, the rise of contemporary gospel music with its elaborate performances and trendy styles raises a critical question: Who gets the glory? Is it God, humanity, or the devil?
The Bible teaches that praise and worship are eternal acts that transcend this world and continue in heaven. Revelation 7:9-12 describes a heavenly scene where multitudes of saints and angels unite to glorify God. This lesson will examine the essence of true worship, its heavenly model, and the challenges posed by modern gospel music trends.
Heavenly Worship: A Model for Earthly Praise
In the book of Revelation, we find a perfect model of worship before God's throne.
Scripture Reference:
"The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!’" (Revelation 4:8, NKJV)
Key insights from heavenly worship:
- The Message in Praise: Worship in heaven declares God's holiness, glory, and worthiness. The words are deeply reverent and focused on God’s attributes.
- The Posture of Worship: Angels and elders fall prostrate before God, casting their crowns in total submission and adoration (Revelation 4:10-11).
This heavenly worship is a stark contrast to much of what we see in contemporary gospel music, where lyrics often focus on personal struggles, addressing the audience, or even engaging in spiritual warfare.
Challenges in Contemporary Gospel Music
Today’s gospel music faces several critical challenges that hinder it from aligning with God’s standard of worship:
1. Misaligned Messages
Many songs are centered on human experiences or worldly themes rather than exalting God. Instead of singing "Holy, Holy, Holy," we hear lyrics that focus on "you did this, you did that," often pointing fingers at listeners or addressing the devil.
Scripture Reference:
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16, NKJV)
2. Performative Worship
Theatrical performances dominate many gospel music concerts and church services today. Dance steps, dramatic gestures, and choreographed routines often resemble worldly entertainment rather than sacred worship.
3. Commercialization
The gospel music industry has increasingly become profit-driven. Artists focus on creating music that appeals to audiences rather than glorifying God, prioritizing financial gain and popularity over spiritual impact.
The Danger of Misplaced Worship
Worship is a sacred act that invites the presence of God. However, when praise becomes self-serving or worldly, it loses its power and purpose.
Scripture Reference:
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24, NKJV)
- Loss of Divine Presence: Worship focused on human applause cannot attract God’s presence.
- No Spiritual Impact: Without true worship, there is no power to break chains or transform lives.
- Mimicking the World: The incorporation of worldly music styles and dance into gospel undermines the sanctity of worship.
Rediscovering True Worship
True worship begins in the heart and is expressed through reverence and purity.
1. Focus on God’s Holiness
Our songs and actions must declare God’s majesty, reflecting our knowledge of who He is.
2. Return to Spiritual Songs
Paul advises believers to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that edify and glorify God.
Scripture Reference:
"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19, NKJV)
3. A Call to Personal and Corporate Holiness
Holiness is essential in worship. The Bible speaks of worship in "the beauty of holiness," emphasizing that God seeks pure and undefiled hearts.
Scripture Reference:
"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth." (Psalm 96:9, NKJV)
Practical Steps Toward True Worship
- Examine Your Heart: Ask if your worship is God-centered or audience-focused.
- Sing with Understanding: Choose songs that glorify God and align with biblical truth.
- Reject Worldly Trends: Avoid mimicking worldly entertainment in worship.
- Cultivate Holiness: Lead a life that reflects the holiness of God in worship and daily living.
Summary
Contemporary gospel music often faces the risk of losing its spiritual essence due to misaligned priorities. True worship must always direct glory to God and reflect His holiness. Anything less falls short of the divine standard.
Conclusion
Gospel music is not merely entertainment but a sacred act of worship. As believers, we must return to the biblical model of praise, where God is the sole focus, and our hearts are fully surrendered to Him. Let us strive to worship in spirit and truth, avoiding distractions that hinder us from giving God the glory He deserves.
Reflection Question
Who gets the glory in your worship: God, yourself, or the world?
Let us rededicate our songs, our talents, and our hearts to the One who is worthy of all honor and praise. May our worship be pleasing to Him, now and forever. Amen.
