I heard about a congregation where the preacher and the song leader weren’t getting along. As time went by, this began to spill over into the worship service.

One week, the preacher preached on commitment and how we all should dedicate ourselves to the service of God. The song leader led the song, “I Shall not be Moved.”

The next week, the preacher preached on giving and how we all should gladly contribute to the work of the Lord. The song leader led the song, “Jesus Paid it All.”

The third week, the preacher preached on gossiping and how we should all watch our tongues. The song leader led the song, “I Love to Tell the Story.”

With all this going on, the preacher became very disgusted over the situation and the following Sunday told the congregation that he was considering resigning. The song leader led the song, “Oh Why Not Tonight?”

As it came to pass, the preacher did indeed resign. The next week he informed the church that it was Jesus who led him there and it was Jesus that was taking him away. The song leader led the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

I have several brethren here in Boone that do an excellent job picking out songs to go with my lesson each Sunday morning, so I hope none of them ever gets mad at me! 🙂

As is obvious above, the words of songs have meaning. The songs that we sing provide us a wonderful opportunity to express our praise to God, as well as to encourage one another. The Psalmists certainly recognized that great truth as they exhort us often to offer the fruit of our lips to the glory of God.

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.” (Psalm 47:6-7)

Alan Smith alansmith@boone.net www.TFTD-online.com