Singing is powerful aspect of our worship that motivates one to a greater attitude and a greater desire to worship. Music has a tendency to transport the mind into a higher realm.
In 1780, John Wesley published his rules for singing as a part of a hymnal he produced that same year.. The list is fascinating and the points apply to this year even more than the year they were written. The list is contained below:
Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.
Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all.
Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can.
Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep.
Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation.
Sing in tune. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before or stay behind it. Take care not to sing too slow.
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. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing.
A few years before the hymnal was published, Mr. Wesley wrote his views on a new song in a journal entry dated, July 3, 1764,
“I seldom relish verses at first hearing. Till I have heard them over and over, they give me no pleasure, and they give me next to none when I have heard them a few times more, so as to be quite familiar.”
I find it interesting that emphasis John Wesley put on singing. He knew there are something about worshipping God in song that brought delight to the worship of God.
Each one of us is on a spiritual journey. As Christians every day is a new day we are blessed with to glorify God (Psalm 118.24) on your journey.
What about our spiritual journey? Do you know where you are going? How are you doing on your journey?
What road are you traveling?
The Bible speaks of two roads in life: a broad road and a narrow road. The broad road is easy and well-traveled by many, but the narrow road is hard and must be found. However, the narrow road leads to an abundant life while the broad road leads to destruction. Which road are you traveling? (Matthew 7:13-14)
What guide are you using?
Do you have a roadmap for life or are you wishing for a greater life? The Creator, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to give us the His guidebook for life so we can make it through to live with Him. Are you reading so you will be complete? (2 Timothy 3.16-17)
Are you staying on the road?
To arrive at your destination, you must not only start on the road, but you must continue your journey. As you have started your spiritual journey, you must continue staying true to the Almighty as you live every day. (Revelation 2.10)
Retirement is defined as “the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.” (Oxford Dictionary) Our country has an emphasis on retirement from physical work, but that should not roll over into spiritual work.
Remember, Moses led the people of Israel at 80 years of age. Caleb was still vigorous at 85 (Joshua 14.10). Also, remember Paul’s words to Titus in Titus 2.1-10. 2.
#2 – One does not need a sophisticated education to follow Jesus
Some believe one must know everything in the Bible to follow Jesus. However, the closest followers to Jesus were ordinary men.
Remember the words regarding Peter and John in Acts 4.13? Their example was not in their education, but in their influence.
#3 – Hell is optional
One of the best parts about life is the choices we can make.
Did you know that you can make a choice not to go to Hell? You can make the choice but will you follow up on your choice? Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14.6). One must be in Jesus and the way to get into Jesus is through baptism (Galatians 3.27).
#5 – Everyone can do something
Following Christ is not a time to sit back and relax, but it is a time to work. Paul says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2.10). At other times, Paul speaks of the abilities given to each Christian (Romans 12.3-8; Ephesians 4.11-16).
Each day Christians are put under a microscope to see whether their actions are consistent with their beliefs.
There are many in the world who watch a Christian’s every move and listen to every word to see whether they are in line with what the Bible says. Some examine out of sincerity, while others examine out of a critical mind. Being an approachable Christian is important because we are the light of the world (Matthew 5.14-16) and our light will only shine as bright as our faith will allow. To shine our lights brighter and extend the grace God has offered us to the world, we must be approachable as Christians.
Being approachable means we must not hide under the guise of being perfect, but under the reality that through Christ we are being made perfect. Being able to give an answer concerning the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3.15) implies that someone is going to ask us about our hope. Going further, for them to ask us, they are going to approach us. Our lives should be lived in such a way that we are approachable Christians.
Take a moment and see how you can become an approachable Christian:
Be Genuine – Finding a genuine person is becoming a lost art. So many are creating an image in public and never showing any faults or mistakes. Our society seeks to rise above the reality that everyone is not perfect; in fact, none of us are.
Pray Daily – Where would each of us be without constant prayer? If we are not praying, I almost guarantee someone is already praying for you. (That might be the reason you are where you are.)
Seek Jesus – Stop seeking to be a “super Christian” and seek to be like Jesus. Jesus is the model for each of our lives. Since the church is the body of Christ and Christ is the head, our actions should be made fully known as we follow the head.
Be Honest – Honesty is the best policy is definitely true when striving to be an approachable Christian. Just being genuine is a major factor, so is the life of honesty.
Approach others – To be approachable means you must be willing to approach others as well. You must be willing to step up to the plate and approach someone and speak to them. Open yourself up to someone else and create a sense of openness.
10 –Old people should not retire; young folks need you! – Remember Moses led the people of Israel at the age of 80; Caleb was still vigorous at 85 (Joshua 14.10) and remember Paul’s words to the Titus (Titus 2.1-10).
9 – Sophisticated education is not needed to follow Jesus (Acts 4.13).
8 – Bald men, well at least one, have power (2 Kings 2.23-25)
7 – You can read the Bible every day.
6 – Everyone has a gift to use; given to them by God. (Romans 12.3-8; Ephesians 4.11-16; 1 Peter 4.10-11; Matthew 25.14-30)
5 – The Bible even has a book about sex. Apparently there is something God wants us to know. (Song of Solomon)
4 – It allows me to eat bacon. (Acts 10.15)
3 – The Bible proves itself. (Science does not prove the Bible, the Bible proves science.) – The more people search, study and investigate nature, they find themselves staring at a Creator.
2 – Hell is optional. – You do not have to go; there is a better place called heaven and the Bible tells you how to get there.
When you think of freedom, what comes to your mind?
Our nation of freedom?
Spiritual freedom?
Without the freedom in Christ, not one of us is truly free.
Sin is a trap that ensnares us for a lifetime of physical punishment bearing the wrath of eternal consequences, but the blood of the Lamb of God (John 1.29) is that which gives us the opportunity to achieve freedom. The opportunity is ever present, but each individual must clothe himself/herself with the Savior (Galatians 3.27).
Today, the question for Christians may not be “do we have freedom” but a greater question of “what do we do with our freedom?”
Each person can recognize freedom, but the actions one takes as a result of freedom truly makes freedom appreciated. Without actions as a result of freedom, we are still spinning our wheels searching for the answer that only resides in God’s words to mankind, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8.32).
The truth of the Savior is the truth of the Father. The Son seeking to glorify the Father while on earth (and be glorified Himself) prays the powerful words of John 17. In the text of that beautiful prayer Jesus said, “Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth.” (John 17.17)
The Savior asked His Father to sanctify them, to set them apart by the truth. As a result of truth, freedom is found in the words of truth – God’s word.
As a Christian, you have found freedom and truth, but what are you doing with that freedom and truth today? Are you sharing the message of breaking free from the bondage of sin to glorify your Father? Are you sharing the message with those still ensnared by sins dreadful hold?
While we recognize freedom, let us take action on that freedom and share it with the world!
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2.16; ESV)
