Hey, Church! 

Outward signs that express invisible, inward truths are important to God. When a person comes to faith in Jesus, he is baptized with water to signify the inner washing of the Spirit. When we share communion, we partake of bread and wine as outward signs that we are united in the body and blood of Christ. Faith, if it is genuine, will be demonstrated in faithful works (Ja. 2:14–26). And sincere prayer is often reflected in physical postures—kneeling, raised hands, bowing, or eyes closed or lifted toward heaven.

In the same way, singing together on Sundays is not merely an internal exercise of faith. In fact, one of the more subtle and harmful ideas to gain acceptance in the Church is the notion that an individual’s hidden, inward experience of the Spirit is the most important thing. We sometimes hear it expressed like this: “I worship as if no one else is in the room. It’s just me and God, and no one else matters.” Of course, a personal encounter with God does matter. But the primary reason we sing together on Sundays is for the edification of the whole body. And for that purpose, our inner song must be voiced out loud.

Scripture consistently portrays worship as a physical, bodily activity. Dancing, singing, offering sacrifices and gifts, walking, shouting, clapping, raising hands, kneeling, bowing, lying prostrate, and playing all kinds of instruments—these were not rare expressions reserved for a few enthusiastic worshipers. Outward, physical expressions of worship were normal. They should be normal for us today as well.

So I want to challenge you this weekend to take a small step beyond your usual comfort zone. If you’re not someone who raises your hands, consider giving it a try. If you tend to stand quietly with folded arms and little expression, ask yourself why. Why might your worship remain hidden rather than expressed? You don’t have to feel perfectly comfortable to be sincere. If you believe what you are singing, then lift your voice—and perhaps even your hands—even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Remember, you are surrounded by wounded sheep—brothers and sisters who need to see and hear you praise God as if you truly believe the words you sing.

Watch “God Is Not Against Me” and “Trust in God” linked below. Notice how the energy of the congregation matches that of the musicians on stage. Like any form of communication, those leading are looking for signs that you are with them, feeling what they feel, and singing the words as your own. That’s my dream for us as a church!