We've discussed the first and middle parts of Colossians 3:16 over these years that I have been writing this blog. Today I want to look at the last part of that verse . . . "with thankfulness and grace in your hearts to God".
The attitude and frame of mind we are called to in this verse about "word dwelling and singing" is a very different one from the unsaved. Our "new" song reveals an "attitude of gratitude"; not the anxiety, anguish or apathy found in much of modern music today. So, what music is acceptable in God's sight? It seems to indicate here that all music offered in worship of God, as long as it glorifies God and God alone, is acceptable in His sight. It must be music that focuses on Him, not the performer.
Therefore we are called upon not to judge or condemn musical worship as expressed by all Christians. We can not decide or presume that our own personal bias dictates what is holy and acceptable to God as worship. Some believers want full and open expression of praise, others prefer much more reserved. Some members of the body prefer structured liturgical worship while others prefer spontaneity and creativity. Some prefer no instruments, some prefer only certain instruments, and some prefer all instruments giving praise and undergirding the praise of His people. To each his own. We must not judge any of the other believers. We should have an attitude of "thankfulness and grace" to all. In fact when we go on to verse 17 we see we are to "do it all in His name, giving thanks."
Musical style is not critical to Christ-pleasing worship. What is important for the worshipper and the worship leader is that the worship be fully committed to Christ's glory, not committed to the music, the drama, the film, the slides, the lighting, or the fans of a certain way of doing things. I Corinthians 10:31 puts it most directly: "Do all to the glory of God". The standard is His glory! mjm
