Daily Devotional for April 29, 2022
A Special Number
Bella covered her ears. “I am so tired of that song!” She and her brother had been asked to play a special number for the morning worship service at their church. Choosing a song for the occasion was proving to be a problem.
“This is a cool piece,” said Lance. “It has a good harmony.”
Bella made a face. “It’s an old song, and we need something newer. You just have bad taste.”
Lance was indignant. “Look who’s talking! You want to play that song we learned at camp. Nobody knows it, and it sounds horrible!”
“Does not,” said Bella.
“Does too!” Lance insisted.
“Just forget it then!” snapped Bella. “I have better things to do than sit here and argue with you!” She placed her flute in its case and snapped it shut.
“I don’t hear any practicing,” said Mom as she entered the room.
“Lance won’t cooperate,” said Bella. “He wants to play that old hymn. I think a newer song would be better.”
“People won’t even know the words of the song she wants to play,” Lance argued.
Mom sighed. “It’s so easy to disagree about music styles and preferences and forget why we sing and play songs in church.” She looked at Lance, then Bella. “Why do you play at all?”
“We…we were asked to play,” Lance replied.
Bella sighed, knowing that wasn’t a satisfactory answer. “We sing and play to praise Jesus.”
Mom nodded. “We worship Him because He is our Lord and Creator who has saved us from sin and given us eternal life. He is worthy of our praise. But I certainly didn’t hear any praises when you were talking together about what to play. If your goal is to praise Jesus, I think you’d better check your attitudes first.”
Lance and Bella looked at each other as their mother left the room. “Mom’s right,” Bella said. “Honoring Jesus is the important thing—both with our song and our attitudes.” She smiled at her brother. “Let’s play the hymn you chose. We can play my song another time.”
“You’re sure?” Lance asked as he picked up his guitar.
Bella nodded. “I’m sure.”
-Linda Weddle
How about you?
Do you sing or play songs at church to praise Jesus for all He has done for you? Even if the music doesn’t always fit your personal preferences? The purpose of music in church is to allow God’s people to praise and worship Him together. It’s about Him, not us. Don’t let your preferences get in the way of why we sing and play songs in church—because Jesus is worthy!
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?