Worship: Clement of Alexandria on Singing to God

Clement of Alexandria (d. c. 215) wrote passionately about the role of music in Christian worship. In the "Exhortation to the Greeks," he contrasted the destructive music of pagan mythology (Orpheus, the Sirens) with the "new song" of Christ: "He who is from David and yet before him, the Word of God, despising the lyre and harp -- lifeless instruments -- and having tuned by the Holy Spirit the whole world, and especially man, uses this many-voiced instrument to praise God."

Clement taught that the human person is God's greatest musical instrument. "The Lord fashioned man a beautiful, breathing instrument, after His own image." Worship singing is thus not merely performing music but becoming the instrument God plays.

Practical application: In your next worship service, think of yourself not as a singer performing a song but as an instrument God is playing. Open yourself to be used -- even if your voice is imperfect, even if you do not know the melody. Clement teaches that the beauty of worship singing lies not in technical skill but in the heart's willingness to be God's instrument.