Struggling Musicians

The musicians, all prominent Levites, lived at the Temple. They were exempt from other responsibilities since they were on duty at all hours. [1 Chronicles 9.33]

How important is music in our devotion to God? If we take into consideration numerous Bible references to music and musicians like the one above (from 1 Chronicles), we must conclude that music (in general) is quite important to God. The Bible has never been unclear about the role of music and musicians in man's devotion to God. 

Ironically, most churches today will verbally "attest to" the importance of music but is music actually given the same priority today as it was long ago? By and large, no. How can I say this? I mean, don't we have huge music budgets complete with sound amplification equipment, media equipment, and subscriptions to all the latest music outlets? While this may be true, there remains, compared to the passage above, a general negligence in the Church today toward 'people of music' - the musicians.

Let's break down the verse above.

First, the subject of 1 Chronicles 9.33 is "musicians." As the subject of this passage, musicians were notably "prominent Levites." This is important because both words "prominent" and "Levites," carry their own meaning. "Prominent" indicates elevated position among "Levites" who were set apart specifically for services supporting the overall worship of Almighty God. 

So important was the role of musicians that they were housed in the Temple. And, if that was not enough, they were exempt from any other duties because their role in providing music was of perpetual importance. In this role, even their food would have been provided. In fact, they were free from financial responsibility.

It is worth a look here at musicians in general today. The word "musician" is often preceded by the word "struggling." Musicians are generally known to struggle between contributing to society with their skill and still maintaining financial responsibility. Why is that? The answer is simple: because the Church has ignored the "place" of musicians today and consequently, both musicians and the Church suffer for it. In all but the largest churches, musicians are guilted into volunteering their skill, or conversely, "given the privilege" to have an outlet for their skill, while being forced to support themselves in the world. They are expected to "perform" with neither sustenance nor compensation for so doing. It's no wonder so many true musicians are a mess in their financial lives! Think of all the buskers out on street corners who could be a blessing to God and man in the Church.

There is no Biblical support for the way Churches engage musicians today. Instead, budgets include all sorts of other line items while musicians continue to "struggle." How might church music change if the Church considered music as "prominent" and "set apart?"

Music is here to stay. And, as we all know, there are two very distinct venues for music today: the world and the Church - secular and Christian. People are drawn to music - just look at secular concert attendance and ticket prices... But still the Church insists largely on volunteer musicians. This is a huge disconnect.

Father, this seems such a "sideline" to the way You have been speaking to me lately. But, if this message could be influential in changing the way the Church views musicians, then use it for that purpose.