Not so long ago i was approached and asked how I felt about some of the worship groups that are popular. I knew where the conversation was headed and so my response was, "Even a broken clock is right twice a day."
What I meant is although their ministries were surrounded by controversy and certainly we don't support the poor theology and poor model of what a Christian is, God may still use them to His glory.
Case in point. I was sitting in my office getting ready to study for a sermon and I usually have Pandora in the background. As I began to write notes I took notice of the song that had come up. It was an older one and by one of those bands that are questionable and seem to have strayed from their first love. I recognized the familiar melody but if I am honest I really hadn't paid very close attention to the words of this song that is popularly used in worship throughout the U.S. and beyond. The song I am referring to is "o come to the altar" by elevation worship. As I listened to the words it began to move my heart. Here are some of the lyrics..
Are you hurting and broken within,
Overwhelmed by the weight of the sin,
Jesus is calling.
Have you come to the end of yourself,
do you thirst for a drink from the well,
Jesus is calling.
O come to,
the altar,
the fathers arms are open wide,
forgiveness,
was bought with,
the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes,
come today there’s no reason to wait,
Jesus is calling.
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy,
from the ashes a new life is born,
Jesus is calling.
O come to,
the altar,
the fathers arms are open wide,
forgiveness,
was bought with,
the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
[repeat]
Oh what a savior,
isn't he wonderful,
sing hallelujah Christ is risen,
bow down before him,
for he is lord of all,
sing hallelujah Christ is risen.
[repeat]
Bow down before him,
for he is lord of all,
sing hallelujah Christ is risen
O come to,
the altar,
the fathers arms are open wide,
forgiveness,
was bought with,
the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
My intentions are not to support or reject elevation, but simply to say that we need to evaluate every aspect against the word of God and only engage in those things that meet the criteria. Our culture is filled with people who we followed and then realized they were wacked. The church was talking about the great marriage ministry of a particular couple that then announced they would be getting a divorce. We bought up the resources on purity from a man who was found out to be living in a very pornographic lifestyle. We are children of God and we weigh our input through scripture and although men will come and go, rise and fall, we must discern what is good and proper, what is healthy and not so much on the human that failed. You may be next, but that doesn't mean we should throw out everything you have said or done, the ripples are already in place and will continue on. Just a thought.That's all for this chilly Wed. morning. May you find truth in the songs, books and resources as you worship and glorify God.
Till next time, worship your King.
P.M.
