More Beautiful Than The Singing Of Birds

More Beautiful Than The Singing Of Birds

The singing of birds is a beautiful sound. But, how much more beautiful to God must be the sound of His children singing His praises. Realizing that Christ Himself has said, “You are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt. 10:31 NKJV ), the singing of each Christian is a very valued and holy act in God’s eyes.

The 21st century offers the Christian believer the greatest opportunity that ever existed to sing God’s praises as a means of worship, spiritual growth, and witness to the seeker. What a rich and varied treasury of hymns and praise songs we find in our church songbooks!

Churches in all parts of the world are expanding their music ministry in the form of choirs, praise teams, and other vocal and instrumental groups. Many churches are also finding that special music events are providing an effective evangelistic tool. One church credits its special music ministry presentations with being responsible for over 2300 people accepting Christ as Savior in a three-year period. Although most of our churches cannot expect to reach such a great number of people, nevertheless we can find music to be a spiritually vibrant attraction to the non-believer.

No matter how many special music groups your church may have, you are a member of the church’s most important one – the congregation! Everyone who can talk can sing! Obviously, singing ability varies. Some people may not sing on key; others may be monotones. But everyone can “make a joyful noise” to the Lord (Ps. 66:1; 81:1; 95:1; 98:4; 100:1 KJV). As receivers of God’s goodness, each Christian has a reason to sing. In fact, God encourages us to sing, as demonstrated in several Scripture passages. For example, Psalm 30:4 says, “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His.” And Ephesians 5:19 tells us, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” These encouraging words do not tell us how well we are to sing, but simply that God wants us to sing.

Of all the things that are happening on today’s Christian music scene, the most important and most spiritually valid is personal involvement – when each believer sings praises about God to God! And that includes you and me. The psalmist wrote: “Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to Him.” (Ps. 28:7 TLB); and “You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy! (Ps. 92:4 TLB).

John Wesley, the 18th century English evangelist and founder of the Methodists, wrote some encouraging words about singing in church in his book entitled Select Hymns With Tunes Annext (1761). They still have value for the 21st century Christian: “See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If singing is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing ... Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice, nor ashamed of its being heard ... Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself or any other creature.”

The next time you attend a worship service and you have the opportunity to sing God’s praises, go ahead! Open your mouth and your heart and exercise your great privilege as a believer in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by singing in the assembly of the faithful! And remember, to God your singing is much more beautiful than the singing of birds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Roger Wayne Hicks is retired from a full-time church music ministry, and now serves as a church music consultant in Mobile, Alabama, USA.