Contemporary Christian “worship songs” we should avoid
Many churches today are filled with dazzling lights and pitch-black worship. Like a concert hall, “darkness descends on churches.” With it came music that seemed to exalt God. But in essence, it’s all about us. Music is Satan’s game plan; he wants to steal God’s glory by introducing counterfeit worship.
1. Avoid songs that are more about ‘blessings’ than ‘praising’
The Psalms of David are a balance of worship, thankfulness, and supplication. But ultimately, they’re praises that point to God in awe and humility. Today, popular worship songs are more about blessings than humble praise to God.
While we should always be thankful to God for His blessings, we praise Him more for who He is, not just what He gives. Here are examples:
I will bless your name vs. I am so blessed
The song “I will bless your name” (Psalm 34:1; tə·hil·lā·ṯōw) has a different context from the song “I am so blessed” (Ephesians 1:3; eulogēsas).
Hillsong’s “I will bless You Lord” on YouTube only had 144,000 views in 2022 (posted in 2017). “The Blessing” (benediction) by Elevation Worship had 67 million views in 2022 (published in 2020).
Yes, we must celebrate God’s faithfulness!
Knowing “we are blessed” encourages faith. But in heaven, everything points to Jesus, to the glory of God the Father alone. (Revelation 5:11-12; John 17:1-3)
Psalm 145:2
Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
2. Avoid lyrics that are more about “me”
There is nothing wrong with music that sings about God’s love. We can exalt Jesus by thanking Him for what He has done. However, if the lyrics are more about “me” than the Savior, it’s best to avoid singing it in congregational worship.
“Me” vs. “You alone”
Hillsong’s ‘One day’ by Reuben Morgan is based on Psalm 84:10, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” There are at least 22 references to the words “me.”
In contrast to another song associated with him, “To You alone” has no reference to “I’ or “Me,” but only to God. The latter would be better to sing during Sunday Worship.
“To You Alone” has 340,000 views, and One Day has 810,000 in 2022. Both were posted in 2018.
Revelations 4:11
Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things by your will; they existed and were created.
3. Avoid songs that are more about “God’s love for us” than “our love for God”
One of Hillsong’s most popular music is “Who you say I am.” The song celebrates the love of God. He adopted us into His kingdom through Christ.
It had about 140 million views in 2022. It also has 51 references to “I, me, and myself,” which are many pronouns pointing to “us.”
Jesus taught less about the love of God
Interestingly, Jesus talked about the love of God as a minor theme in His teachings. He taught more about our love for God and others—than God’s love for us.
Matthew 22:37-38
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH BETHEL MUSIC?
Bottom line, don’t be the crowd
The “crowd” that came to see Jesus was thankful. After all, many of them got healed and had their fill. There was an immense benefit to being in that crowd with Jesus.
Jesus told His disciples to seek God, not for food that perishes but that which endures to eternity. We worship God because He is worthy! Period.
John 6:26
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.”
We worship God because He is worthy! Period.
Christian music and music for Christians are not the same.