One of the biggest controversies in the Christian church over the last generation revolves around music.

Traditional hymns or contemporary music? Piano or drums and guitars? The debate has caused real rifts in congregations.

But why? Why are people so divided?

Most people assume it has something (or everything) to do with tradition. But after talking to a good number of people on both “sides” of the music debate, I can tell you the real reason is WORSHIP.

Music is a powerful catalyst to worship. And just like people enjoy different genres of books or movies, Christians are not all alike when it comes to which genre of music prepares their hearts and souls to worship.

As Christians, we are called first to worship and honor God.

Secondly, we are to love and serve one another. So, as brothers and sisters in Christ, I want to encourage everyone to remember that every song you sing to the Lord (whether it’s a hymn, or praise chorus, or something you just make up) is a joyful sound to His ears and to His heart.

It’s not about the tempo or the accompaniment, but about the heart from which we sing.