Worship with Words

My mouth was once filled with crass language, hasty and thoughtless retorts and stinging venom with the right instigation. My words got me in trouble many times, as then, they mirrored the deadness of my unrejuvenated spirit. However, it was God who gave me the ability to speak, and so He who made my tongue also tamed and moulded it.

When I rededicated my life to Christ in 2011, I went straight back to singing in church. In those days, God sifted my motives until it was not about accolades but for His glory.

We must know that the words we speak, or sing, or type have impact and power, so we must surrender this potential weapon of mass destruction to be used as gauze to dress wounds and as water that cools burns. We all have a choice to use our words to push the agenda of the other side, but how can we who are dead to sin continue to walk in it (Romans 6:2). The Holy Spirit, our seal of righteousness through Christ, (Ephesians 1:13) constantly reminds us whose we are, in whose service we operate and to whom we are ultimately accountable. I often have opportunities to say that Christians haven’t forgotten how to use our words contrary to God’s will; we simply choose to be good stewards of them.

My voice always belonged to God, and when I wasn't walking with Him or using it the way He needed, I felt the weight of guilt. He planted the knowledge of His ownership in me, and not even wayward disobedience could dislodge it. He gave me melody in my vocal cords and compassion in my heart so that wherever He called me to use it, it would be for His honour.

In my early days of worship leading with my husband, he would heckle me whenever I changed keys mid-song, forgot a tune, changed the pace or forgot the words of the song altogether. I always believe in giving God the best and attaching excellence to whatever I bring, but when it is all said and done, even imperfectly, I remember why I do it and who is meant to be glorified. From the time I decided I would sing to God and for a God who was pleased because He saw my heart, it was all the motivation I needed to keep on singing. With no formal training and just the love of God and a heart for worship driving me, I decided I would sing His praises to my last breath.

At our small church, most days our song service is a capella. On a good day, we will have accompaniment with a tambourine and, on rarer occasions, a drum. Musical instruments that accompany songs of praise and worship serve to enhance true worship that flows from the heart to our lips. God sees and accepts all worship offered in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24).

I use my voice in boardrooms and courtrooms, and the same heart posture applies. I can lead, make strategic decisions and have difficult conversations with the same heart of surrender and worship. I am accountable to God for my words and how I treat others. I am responsible to God for the way I steward the positions of leadership He’s given me and the rooms he has allowed me to speak in. Whether I am speaking at my training sessions or an invitee at conferences, my voice belongs to Him. He must always find it as a willing tool to proclaim His words. My voice at church, at work and in my home is akin to a spanner for a plumber and a roller for a painter; it is a necessary part of my calling.

My blog and book are also mediums to use this tool and talent God has given me for His glory. Sharing kind words is a resource we should also give freely. Being accountable with your words to build up and not tear down is a mandate to all of us. To lift our voices in praise with psalms and hymns and songs (Ephesians 5:19) is for all of us who have breath (Psalm 150:6). The way we speak to our children and relatives can be worship when our heart posture is to glorify God. Even though we are no longer condemned when we falter in our speech, the Holy Spirit reminds us of who we are and, frankly, how we are supposed to act.

Magnify God with your words, not with a law-based, commandment-driven mindset, but with wisdom and understanding that our speech not only tears down strongholds of the enemy but is medicine to the soul (Proverbs 16:24). Worship with your voice and love with your words, to build up those around you to glorify and honour God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Love Ya!

Krystal Baynes-Hoseinee

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