Change Your Tune

The Bible tells us many times to sing to the Lord a new song. However, we should be cautious of hymns with unscriptural lyrics. Last year, I briefly visited a church where the praise and worship band promoted sin consciousness instead of who we are in Christ. When one of their songs repeated the line “our sins are many”, I quietly slipped out of the sanctuary.

Last week while watching a minister’s conference streamed from The River, Rodney Howard-Browne talked about green activism invading the church. He read the lyrics to “The Climate is Changing.” This “hymn-prayer” uses music from a traditional Welsh hymn. New lyrics written by Presbyterian pastor Carolyn Winfrey Gillette are “to support efforts to counter climate change.” Let's examine some of these lyrics and compare them with Scripture...


We pray for the animals here in our midst
who cannot defend their own right to exist.


Immediately, I thought of Romans 1:25, which warns of people worshipping the creature rather than the Creator. I enjoy animals, but man is the only being created in the image and likeness of God.


We pray for the mountains and forests and seas
that bear the harsh footprint of our human greed.


God commanded man in Genesis 1:28 to subdue the earth. We should be praying for people instead of things that don’t need redemption.


We thank you for people who treasure the earth,
whose faith has long taught them its beauty and worth.


I’m more thankful for the people mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 (often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame”).


We thank you, for leaders, courageous and brave,
who know that the earth is worth fighting to save,


As an evangelist, I can testify it takes more bravery to fight for saving the souls of men. Many sinners reject the gospel, sometimes reacting with persecution. Nevertheless, Jesus said in John 14:23, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” 


who care about justice and what they should do,
who listen to science and work hard for you.


Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Because of changing guidelines regarding COVID-19, I’ve become less confident with scientists, especially those promoting ideas contrary to the Bible and infringing on individual liberties. 


You love this good earth, and you sent us your Son!
May we love our neighbors — there’s work to be done.
May we, by your Spirit, do all in our power
to care for your earth in this critical hour.


I agree there’s work to be done. Jesus is coming back soon! The Holy Spirit will empower those preaching the gospel, casting out devils, and healing the sick. The Great Commission does not include environmental causes. If God cares about the “good earth” so much, why did He cover it with a flood (Genesis 7) and will someday renovate it with fire (2 Peter 3:10)?


I pray that all Christian environmentalists reading this will reevaluate their priorities. We can be good stewards of our planet’s resources without neglecting God’s commandments that will make an eternal difference.


“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” - Colossians 3:2

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