THE MUSIC OF THE HEART Instrumental or A cappella?
The question of instrumental music in worship has divided many hearts that once sang together. Yet when we lay the issue upon the table of grace and look at it beneath the pure light of Scripture, we find that it is far more a matter of conscience than command.
There is nothing wrong with singing without instruments. Simplicity has its own beauty. A cappella praise can rise like the incense of old—sweet, uncluttered, and wholly offered to God. Those who choose to worship this way do well, if their hearts are sincere. Others may find that instruments lift their voices and steady their song. These, too, may do well, if their purpose is to glorify Christ. The apostle wrote, “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5). He did not call us to uniformity of sound, but to unity of spirit.
The trouble comes when opinion is placed upon the altar as if it were revelation. When believers judge one another over melody instead of mercy, they wound the body of Christ with instruments of pride. Some condemn what Scripture never condemns. Others defend what Scripture never commands. But the Lord looks past the method to the motive. What matters is not the sound that fills the room, but the Spirit that fills the heart.
Throughout the years, many have disagreed—not only about music, but about the deeper questions of faith itself. On one subject they allow liberty; on another they draw lines in the sand. Yet Scripture reminds us that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). When we make secondary matters a test of fellowship, we trade the music of grace for the noise of contention.
Some say instrumental music is wrong because it is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament. Yet by that same reasoning, we would have to remove many things we freely use—lights, microphones, songbooks, and buildings. Others draw distinctions between “aids” and “additions.” They argue that a songbook aids the command to sing, while a piano adds to it. But who can judge what aids another’s obedience? If a small congregation, struggling to lift their voices, finds that a simple instrument helps them sing with more heart, is that not in keeping with the command to “sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19)?
Let every believer examine his own spirit before he speaks against another’s song. For it is possible to build grand halls and justify them as “aids” to assembly, while condemning others for using humble tools to glorify God. The issue is not whether one uses strings or keys, but whether the heart itself has been tuned to grace.
Paul wrote to the Romans not to destroy the work of God for the sake of food—or, we might say, for the sake of form (Romans 14:20). In the same way, we must not destroy the harmony of the Spirit for the sake of sound. Some worship quietly. Others worship with instruments. But if both do so in love, both please the Lord.
When we come before Christ in the final day, He will not ask what kind of music we made, but whether our hearts were right as we made it. The question will not be about method, but motive—not about strings or silence, but about the song of love that rose from within.
Let every heart be His instrument. Let every voice, whether accompanied or alone, lift praise that flows from gratitude and reverence. For when the Spirit conducts our worship, even the silence sings.
Lord Jesus,
You are the Song of Heaven and the Harmony of the redeemed. Teach our hearts to love one another as You have loved us. Let every note of our worship, whether soft or strong, blend together in the music of grace.
Forgive us for the pride that divides, for the quickness to judge and the slowness to understand. Tune our spirits to the melody of mercy. Help us to see that unity does not require sameness, and that love fulfills the law far more perfectly than argument ever could.
May our gatherings—large or small, loud or quiet—be sanctuaries of peace where Christ alone is exalted. Let Your Spirit make us one body, so that the world may hear not our discord, but Your divine harmony echoing through us.
In Your holy name we pray,
Amen.
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
