Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matt 6:1 (NKJ)
Why do the people of God sing the Liturgy with great reverence and joy? Why do the children of God gladly gather to receive His gifts?
What is the difference between singing in a choir and singing in the midst of the congregation? In order to provide a suitable answer to these questions, perhaps a little illustration will help us understand the main issue.
When one has been blessed by God with a beautiful singing voice, their efforts may bring tears to the eyes of men and women who hear the beauty and song that their efforts bring. At the same time, another singer may not have more then a two note range and the results are not so pleasing to the ear. Imagine that God the Father now turns to His angelic choir and says, “Have you heard My child singing?”
The question becomes: “Which of the two mentioned above might God have been referencing?” God does not judge beauty the way we do. He might have been referring to both singers; but, let us assume for a moment that the one with the beautiful voice was singing for the praise of men, and the person with the two note range was singing to the glory of God. Since God sees into the heart, He knows why you sing and why you do not sing!
So parents, you must teach your children to distinguish between where they sing, and why
they sing. Within the Liturgy and Hymnody of the Church, their voices also need to be raised in praise and thanksgiving to God for the gifts of forgiveness of sins, Life and salvation freely given and received! To keep silent is to follow the temptation and path of the devil. To sing with a full voice is to give glory and praise to God.
Parents must teach their children, and we must teach each other, that we do not sing to God to hear His applause, rather, we sing to God because we must. “Our lips no more can silence keep”. See what God has done for you and given you! This is your reason for giving your ‘all’ in the worship of God in the Divine Service.
There will be clapping and applause when the world judges that something is beautiful and
worthy. In the kingdom of God, beauty may be met by silence, and true worship with disdain, nevertheless your God will respond. One day you will hear these words, “Well done you good and faithful servant” This is God’s way of clapping! In His most precious name
Pastor Froh
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