First, the Lord's word says in I Corinthians 14:15 " . . . I will sing with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind (understanding) also." Notice that the word "spirit" here is not the Holy Spirit, but our spirit. This is referring to our emotion and all that makes up our spirit. In other places in scripture we find the Holy Spirit involved in singing. So, we sing with all that we are with understanding of what we are singing. When we do this the result is singing with passion. God made us to feel deeply and gives us the ability to understand His ways and His glory.
Now you are probably thinking, "What does any of this have to do with Beethoven?" Well, Beethoven was quoted as saying, "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." I would add to his quote . . . "To sing or play a wrong note is insignificant; to sing or play without passion is inexcusable."
Because of the great God we serve and in whom we minister, we should be so full of praise and thanksgiving that our singing and playing of praise should always be full of great passion of heart. I have always said that if I can't do it with whole-hearted passion, I won't do it at all. Our worship is always to be whole-hearted. How can we not do it with passion? I've actually been made fun of and misunderstood at times as a worship leader because of the passion within me. But one apology I will never make is singing, worshipping, and serving Him with whole-hearted passion. Blessings on you as you do the same. mjm
