ON SINGING

You know that there is always the guy behind you in the congregation that cannot carry a tune? The hymns and choruses are stabbed at; they sheepishly sing….oh, some even freely admit that they are tone deaf. You know we are not talking about you, no, but someone who may look like you. Yes, we even find these dear souls in the choir. Sometimes they volunteer for the solos and the specials and their fragile egos cannot be crushed by the mere mention of the thought that it may smart to hear them. Actually, I know that every music minister in the world has to deal with this issue.

Well, there are the other people too. These are the folk who have a tremendous gift. I have a daughter who certainly fits in this category. They are the ones that can be counted on to get every note perfect; they are the quick studies with “broadway” voices. Now some of these folks (not all of course) have the “Diva” mentality. If you are in the choir or are active in your music program, chances are they have wandered in for a short time. Here, we your “spiritualized” Luciano Pavoratti, Placido Domingo or Alma Gluck. Here is another, yet cumbersome issue that those in ministry have to deal with.

You know I had a thought the other day that will bring some perspective on this. You know, no matter how perfect a voice, no matter how keen a talent, no matter how grand a command of diction, we are not going to measure up to the heavenly hosts that sing before God! You know those angels that appeared that night on a hill to the shepherds upon the pronouncement. Those that Isaiah saw in the temple in Chapter 6 singing the thrice Holy! No matter how good or poor an earthly voice, God only hears a heart! ”….Out of the abundance the heart speaketh”, MT 12:34b, but out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth singeth as well. You know that God deserves our best; no question. We should always minister with our gifts, but it’s okay if our abilities are in other areas. I don’t mind hearing a “tone-deaf” person sing if their ministry is genuine. I also love when a genuinely gifted person ministers with their talent as well. Check all egos at the door and admonish each other properly with love. Now where did I put those ear plugs?