September 1927
T h e
K i n g ’ s
B u s i n e s s
555
T h e P resent -D ay P roblems In present-day problems in church music we meet the age-old contention of Art for a place in the Church as an end in itself. This can never be settled in favor of music without bringing in a dead formalism of which church history gives us all too many examples. “Art for Art’s sake” is not a slogan the church can accept. Art need not and should not be disregarded. Cultured ears need a re fined medium of praise. But, both in the writing and in the rendition, our church music should be surcharged with a devout spirit. Luther said: “I am not of the opinion that through the Gospel all arts should be banished and driven away, as some zealots want to make us believe; but I wish to see all arts, principally music, in the service of Him who gave and created all.” On the other extreme there is the “jazz” spirit that does not concern itself with Art and which has invaded the “sacred precincts” with a deadly virus. It has affected especially our Sunday school and evangelistic music. f HRISTIANITY is Christlikeness exemplified , in a human soul, in word, thought, and in deed, g, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Christ likeness is more than a passing spiritual ex perience, ecstasy, or manifestation, blessed and welcome as these are if from the proper riences,, and many of them; but they are not to be wor shipped or exalted above the Lord, from whom they come. Neither should they make us egotistical; selfish or self- centered ; uncharitable; unwilling to be taught, advised or entreated; hard to get on with; unwilling to abide in our calling (if it be legitimate); or cause us to turn aside from a real, practical, victorious, everyday life lived in the power of God. Experience has taught Us that a touch from God is not only precious and blessed, but priceless; because it brings us into intimacy and close relationship with Him, and gives us an experimental knowledge of Himself and of His goodness. Oh, the joy of it, which is unspeakable and full of glory; but joy is not its highest purpose. As we go on to know the Lord we become more intimate, and are taken up with Himself and with His interests, more than we are with things and experiences. -We shall then have passed all these things and experiences which are blessed (but are only a means to an end) and have sat down, as it were, under the shadow of His wings. His presence and companionship now become delightful and satisfying to us. This precious intimacy with the Lord has always been the ■ privilege of the saints. It is more than all else. Should we not covet it ? Such an acquaint ance with the Lord is quite necessary in these days of chaotic conditions. We are unworthy of it, but if He deigns to share our companionship to that extent, we ought gladly to accept it, and to praise it so highly that nothing else could take its place. Christlikeness, there fore, is more than an experience, an ism, a theory, a dogma, a theological opinion, or a doctrine; more than Christian service, or an understanding of the Scriptures so as to be able to instruct others. It is more than shout-
afc ing/ eloquence, or oratory; more than being able to hold, move, and sway multitudes; even more than winning souls, and going to mission fields. Most of these, and many other things which could be enumerated, are good, Scriptural, and necessary in their proper place, and can and should be incorporated into life and service. They are, however, results of a Christ-life, although they cannot take the. place of Christlikeness. . , S ervice T h a t I s D etr im en ta l Christian life or religious work built up on anything else than Christlikeness, will become detrimental, sooner or later, to ourselves, to the cause of Christ, and to society. Christlikeness will make us forget ourselves and our inter ests, and will put a woe upon us for the salvation of a lost world. To lose all, if necessary, in order to follow Him, will not be considered too much. If we were as earnest about being Christlike, or about wishing to have Christ have the preeminence in all things, as we are in seeking His benefits (spiritual, physical and otherwise), or as we are to have our own way, especially in theological ques tions, and in differences manifold, it would not be long before God would pour out His Spirit, in a revival world wide, surpassing anything heretofore seen. Christlikeness practised by God’s people would cause many barriers to come down. The home, the church, and the individual would be wonderfully changed. The Christ- life cannot but lead to cleansing of life and character, to making restitution where necessary, and to oneness o'f spirit among God’s people. If all legitimate questions were settled by Christians on the basis of Christlikeness (which of course is ex pected of us), we would either agree, or agree to disagree; thereby avoiding contention, strife, and separation from one another. The church would then be unified, set in Scriptural order, and would wield a tremendous influence for good before the world, and be a power and bulwark against the powers of evil. How awful that we, God’s people, should evade Christlikeness, should harbor sin, abuse one another in Many of the chaste and sincere Gospel songs of Mc- Granahan and Bliss have been set aside, as too slow for this age, in favor of lighter and more showy compositions. A hopeful indication, however, comes from independent publishers as well as denominational boards, who are put ting out books in which are found an increasing number of standard hymns. In that .remarkable dialogue recorded in Exodus 4:2 God said to Moses:. “ ‘What is that in thine hand?’ And he said, ‘A rod,’ ” It was his symbol of authority-—the medium through which special power was to flow, though he did not fully recognize it. In like manner stands the church musician with his baton, the soloist with his song, the organist with his wonderful instrument. God says to each: “What is that in thine hand?” And the answer should be, “A gift from Thee, an opportunity of service, a serious responsibility.” With this, class of leaders rests the success of music in the Church, as of old it depended upon Asaph and Chenaniah.
Christlikeness-The Believer’s Supreme A im B y A lbert W eaver
source. It is true that Christlikeness produces these exp
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