Our Young People and Music

I was thinking earlier today about the different kinds of music that I enjoy.  I don't think there's any genre where I am unable to find something I like listening to.  Certainly, I'm fonder of some more than others, but that is simply a point of personal preference.  Music drives me.  Music lifts me.  Music encourages me.  Music directs me.

Over the past couple of months, I've been spending some time in smaller churches and enjoying the fellowship there.  I have found one thing as I talk to people and that is that they all enjoy music also.  I think we all look to music as a source of strength and joy.  What kind of music are you listening to?  Is there always a song in your heart that adds a spring to your step?

Music, to some degree, defines us and refines us.  If that is the case, how is the music within us harnessed, cultivated, applied and shared?

I remember as a youth that I had great musical leaders, Ron Scotton, Greg Stephens, Michael Flippo, Donna Phillips, Phil Barker and various others who guided and directed my path along this musical journey.  I remember so many people pouring into my life through Teen Talent, youth singing groups and other means.  I also remember the encouragement they shared.  They always had, and still have, a "can do" attitude.  I thank God for these great men and women who were my musical rocks.  I still remember my fascination at the way Ron Scotton held his fingers when playing the organ and at the way Michael Flippo created such interesting chords and at the way Donna Phillips barely touched the keys yet created wonderful sounds.

I've worked with the youth of Tennessee in various musical capacities over the last few years.  I have watched them in all sorts of situations.  What I see in them is heart.  They have a heart to worship through music, but who is helping them hone their skills and perfect their craft?  Who is here to help with questions like my musical mentors helped me?  

We must all join our voices and skills to encourage our youth in music.  They have a voice that needs to be heard and an "out of the box" way of thinking that expands the parameters of our perception of worship!  When a young person plays rockin' guitar in church, don't cover your ears!  Applaud!  This is a God-given talent that the world is more than willing to take advantage of.  We, the church, need to step up and embrace our youth and their music, whatever it is.  Our youth are too valuable to lose to this world because of our attitudes.  We don't have to love their music, we have to love THEM!  We must love them and allow them to utilize those talents for the Lord and we must encourage them to do so!  The lure of the world is real and strong but we must be stronger!

Get up folks.  We've got some work to do.  Grab a young man and tell him that you love him.  Tell a young lady that you appreciate her.  Share your love!  Encourage young people to play a special song at church.  Allow them to find a way to express themselves through music whether it's playing an instrument, singing or dancing. 

After all, didn't God do that for us?   

:::G:::