The Other Half of Your Song

Monday I had the opportunity to speak to the students & faculty at Frontier School of the Bible during Chapel.  One of the points best received was actually advice given me by my dad my freshman year as a music major.

I loved the music all around me.  I could almost feel my horizons widening and broadening!  Not long into things, however I could feel an attitude brewing.   We had Doctrine at 7:30 AM (yes, AM)  Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and I found myself beginning to struggle with it.  I wrote home, asking my folks to help me pray that I’d soon get my attitude back in shape.

Mom usually wrote the letters from home, but I remember the one that came back this time.  It was in Dad’s own hand.  After a newsy paragraph or two he mentioned my struggle with doctrine, and shared a perspective that has helped me – to this day.

At the top-right of the music you’re holding is a name.  It’s the name of the person who wrote the music or score.

At the top-left of that same song or hymn is the name of the one who wrote the lyrics. The text.   You already know how important the lyrics are; now and then you’ve reluctantly not used a song you actually liked, primarily because the text didn’t line up with the doctrine you already know.

When you feel yourself struggling to go to class or do the homework, remember that doctrine or theology is the other half of your song. Learn it well.

I thanked him for his advice and counsel and came away with A’s in Doctrine and Theology.

I found it important enough to use consistently through these years of ministry, and a key thought I had to share when I had less than an hour with college students training for ministry.

His were good words.  If they’ll help you today, as a worship leader, musician, pastor, mentor or protegé, help yourself and use that truth well – for God’s glory.