How rewarding it is to hear Christians singing songs in praise to God and words of admonition and encouragement to one another! Conversely, how discouraging it is to witness some Christians barely opening their mouths while a congregation is being led in worship.
Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is not merely a suggestion—it’s a command connected with being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-19). It is also a means of teaching and admonishing one another (Col. 3:16).
With this in mind, perhaps there should be more emphasis in our preaching and teaching about the benefits and obligations of worship in song. Singing is a responsibility and a reflection of the grace in our hearts to the Lord. Not all of us have natural musical talent, but this doesn’t mean that we should excuse ourselves from this important means of worship or feel inhibited from “singing out” praise to God “in the midst of the congregation” (Heb. 2:12).
I’ve noticed that many young children in assemblies of the saints are not joining in as we worship in song. This causes me to wonder if any time is being spent praising God in song in their homes.
Some of my best memories of childhood are of what my family called “the lesson” when we would read from the Bible, sing, and pray. And some of my favorite memories as a parent are of long road trips when one or more of my children would break out in song or ask that we sing as we drove.
My children are all grown up now with grown children and grandchildren of their own, but when we get together during holidays and at other occasions, there is always a time set aside for singing to the Lord. The children are not off playing while the adults sing but are willingly joining in. Sometimes we sing long enough that some of the younger ones fall asleep—to the praise of God.