@RebuildJesussChurch, I for one am really glad you posted this thread. I have found myself pondering on the point behind it quite a bit the last few days. And I have noticed these last few days how a Lot of the current Christian contemporary music is more about us, not Him. A lot of the songs are very casual and...not somberly reverential like older hymns and such. Some of the contemporary Christian music has a very me-focused, selfish, almost flippant theme. Although, I am still deeply touched by a few of the songs. And I think God really does use some of it. (I'm kind of waffling back and forth, aren't I? Lol😌)
The following is kind of off topic, so please forgive me. Tonight I was at a class and the teacher asked a question I have never considered (that I remember):
"If there were no Heaven, would you still serve God with all your heart (simply because He deserves it)?"
I posted the following quote a few weeks or so ago in another non-related thread, but I think it's relevant now in reference to how the focus of worship and praise should be the Holy One Himself.
"Commitment that is unprepared to sacrifice is merely compromise in disguise...the believer's commitment to Christ must exact a price in order to maintain its value. We must prepare for the test of our commitment by daily affirming that Christianity is worth it." -Extreme Devotion (The Voice of the Martyrs)
Hebrews 13:15-16
"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of
our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
Praise is a sacrifice. Sometimes, I must confess, I listen to contemporary Christian music as entertainment. Sometimes I listen to it to make ME feel good. Not so much to focus on honoring Him.
I realize a lot of people may read this and it may not resonate or make sense to them, but I wanted to let you know, RebuildJesussChurch, that your thread had generated some thought in me. I can't say that I am going to abandon listening to contemporary Christian music, but I do hope to be much more thoughtful about it- e.g. turning off songs that offend my spirit (bc there are some). And I do plan to listen to/sing more hymns. I grew up singing them, and do kind of miss them. So! There's my way-too-long post for the night. ☺️
I pray God draws you and your family closer to Him, Brother, making you increasingly effective in His Kingdom purposes. May His Name be hallowed, revered, and praised in purity.