What's Next for Music within the Church?

I was recently asked by a great friend -

"What do you think is next for worship music?" My response was...

What man builds must come down. What we created and erected within the Church - has now been infiltrated by lust, selfishness and pride. We have learned to expect certain emotions, environments or "atmospheres", for the sake of attracting people versus the presence of God.

We lust for the same things we see at concerts and award shows. Our music has become about the feels and affirming us in our own walk. We have lost the awe of God. Songs are about us and less about Jesus or about the splendor of God. We are selfish.

We want more, to feel more, experience more, to learn more - but we are not willing to wait and make more room for the Holy Spirit in our lives and schedules. This affects our music and gatherings because we rather make room for more people than for more of God. I'm guilty as a pastor of spending less time with God and more time with people and calling that ministry and the work of the gospel. It's easier to spend time with people. It's harder to make time for God.

Our modern music and systems have elevated the temptation of pride within the Church. Psalmists within the Church once wrote to empower congregations to sing songs and hymns to the Lord. Now it has become a career that is highly pursued by many. Talent has taken the spotlight, while integrity and good character has been sacrificed for the sake of presentation and satisfying the customer.

Everything that man creates - that becomes an idol must and will come down. Music is God breathed. He is the ultimate creator. But our idolization of monetization, fame and influence will come to an end.

So what's next for music in the Church? Every generation will be confronted with this conflict. It depends on each of us. Will we return to a place of true worship or continue in the ways of man? We can't be herded as a cattle of music consumers into a lifestyle of worship. We must encounter God for ourselves, surrender to Him and live in the quiet places with the Lord; fully satisfied because He is more than enough. Then the overflow of those moments will lead to beautiful psalms and songs unto Him.

What I have loved so dearly has become so corrupted and it hurts. But this to will fade away, and God's splendor will remain forever and ever.

There's no need to worry, but rather pray about it. This has been my personal revelation.

What do you discern through the Holy Spirit?