Songs for worship

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 Fayetteville 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