This book is full of exciting truth just waiting to be read.
Back in the late eighties and early nineties, MTV used to do a weekly segment called “Unplugged.” They would take some of the most popular artists and have them do their music in an acoustic version. There were no synthesizers or electric guitars or anything electronic. It was just the artist and a microphone and a guitar or two. It sounded vastly different that the radio version of the songs, but it was fabulous, more honest somehow.
We don’t hear many artists doing unplugged versions anymore. I suspect quite frankly, that many of the current singers wouldn’t dare sing without all of the electronic assistance. The right software and accompaniment can make anyone sound great.
This unplugged concept has really been swirling around my head in regards to church. There are a lot of churches out there that are something like a Bon Jovi concert. Then there are churches that would never dream of having a service without forty robed choir members belting out angelic tunes accompanied by a piano and an organ.
Don’t get me wrong. I love music and I especially love good worship music. But, what would happen if we unplugged all of that? What if we removed all of the instruments and robes and had one lone piano and hymnals? What if we sang just a couple of songs of preparation for the message like, “Amazing Grace” or “I’ll Fly Away?” What if we were at church simply for a Biblical message from God?
If church were unplugged, would we sit on the edge of our seats, riveted by the Word of God? It seems to me that if the Bible is taught correctly, it’s riveting. It’s a love story. There are angels and demons. There are good guys and bad guys. There are battles that put, “Lord of the Rings,” to shame. People fall from grace. God gives them redemption. There’s the supernatural. There are earthquakes and floods. There’s beauty. There’s grace. There’s healing and family for all who seek it.
The stories in the Bible are so good that Hollywood merely dreams of coming up with stuff that good. But, it can’t. The Bible is truth and truth is usually way more exciting than fiction.
So, maybe we should ask ourselves why we attend church. Is it awe-inspiring? Do we want to worship God because the message is so life changing? Are we part of a loving and active faith community? Do we leave service with the desire to share the light of Jesus with the world? Are we becoming disciples? Does our church make us want to be more like Jesus?
The original church in the Book of Acts could answer yes to all of those questions. They wanted to learn about Jesus, be more like Jesus and invite others to do the same. They were unplugged, so to speak, and on fire.
Music can add so much to a church service and I’m glad we have it. But, if we were to unplug and had only the message to listen to, would it be awesome on its own? Maybe it should be. In its fight to stay relevant, the church has to stay true to the message. Maybe we should think about it.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂
PS Those of you taking the gratitude challenge, you should have three things your thankful for by today. It’s not too late to start your list!