The music debate

It is amazing how much people will debate about music within most local churches in America. A lot of people really like more modern choruses. Many others strongly prefer hymns. I have heard of a church putting together 7 different worship services with different styles of music for each one. I like many types of music. It can be easy to tune out the words of a song if it is a style that you don't enjoy. I remember as a teenager having a black gospel choir come to the church that I was a member at. At least 10 people walked out. They did not walk out because the choir did anything offensive. They walked out because they did not enjoy the music style. I think that Psalm 150 settles a lot of the arguments. This portion of scripture says to praise God everywhere, for everything, and with many instruments. In verse 6a the Bible says, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." I enjoy Christian hip-hop a lot. God really speaks to me through it. Some churches even have hip-hop services. However sometimes when I am driving and listening to rap music that reminds me of how incredible God is and teaches me truths from the Bible I wonder if people that hear the beat automatically make several negative assumptions about me, I like hard rock music that glorifies God. I enjoy several styles of music and appreciate any song that helps people relate to God. We need different styles of music to help different people with different tastes relate to God. However, all music that honors God should be valued. I am not generally a country music fan, but I think that there are people that are proclaiming the love of God through country music and that is a great thing. I think that it is amazing that He has given us so many avenues through music alone to relate to Him! My grandfather had a lot of sayings. Most of them I did not totally understand. One saying that I did understand was him saying, "If a dog is barking for Jesus then I am for that dog!” I believe that while the music style can help a person open their heart to God, the important thing is that regardless of what we hear that we do in fact open our hearts to God and allow Him to do what He wants in our lives. Thanks for reading. I would love to read thoughts that anyone reading this has on music and relating to God through it.