Harmony in the Church

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 NLT

The Old fashion hymn sing has been resurrected over the last decade as the classic church hymns have vanished in many of today’s churches. However, there are still churches that include an occasional hymn as part of the worship service. Some churches will schedule a special hymn night throughout the year for the lovers of the old fashion hymns. Nationally, Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Hymn Sing makes its rounds throughout the United States keeping the old gospel hymns alive by reintroducing them to the current and next generations. There is a hunger not only for the music, but for the deeply inspired lyrics from these songwriters of yesteryear.

As these old fashion hymns are sung, especially in church, they are an example of unity and harmony. There are those who sing the main melody and those who sing the harmony parts, my mother was always one of them. Those singing the main parts and those singing the harmony parts combine with those playing the instruments in worshiping and praising through God through music. It is an example of what harmony in the church looks like. We all have a different part to play and sing, and not only in the music. If we all do are part, a beautiful rendition of Christ’s church will be seen and heard.

Unfortunately, there is not always harmony among believers in the church and the music falls flat. Paul’s desire for the church was for it to “live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” (Ro.15:5b nlt) The outside world is watching the disharmony among us as many believers are exiting the church. Perhaps an old fashion hymn sing is just what we need to get back in tune with God and the truth of His Word, harmonizing with each other for the sake of the gospel to all generations.