INTRODUCTION: THE VIDEO THAT SPARKED THIS
God often speaks to me while I’m watching the world unfold on social media. People share everything—what they’re eating, their opinions, even when their big toe hurts. But every now and then, something cuts through the noise.
This week I saw a video. A mom shared that her 8-year-old daughter, who struggles with anxiety, got in the car and said, “Mama, I just want some Jesus this morning. Can you play some Jesus music?”
She didn’t ask for a sermon or silence. She asked for worship. And she asked for Forrest Frank—a Christian artist whose sound might not be on your personal playlist, but whose lyrics lift up Jesus. And that little girl worshiped her way to peace.
Some people would dismiss that moment—not because of the message, but because of the beat. And that’s the problem.
I. TRUE WORSHIP IS DEFINED BY SCRIPTURE, NOT STYLE
John 4:23–24 – “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… for the Father is seeking such people.”
It doesn’t say “in tradition and comfort.” It doesn’t say “with the right instruments.” Worship is about the heart—not the sound.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 – “For everything there is a season… a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
Psalm 149:3 – “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!”
Psalm 150:4–6 – “Praise him with tambourine and dance… Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
If there’s a time to dance, why do so many churches act like it’s never during worship?
God authored emotion. He created movement. Rejecting a worship style because it doesn’t match your taste isn’t holiness—it’s pride.
II. DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS, SAME SPIRIT
I’m not a music guy. I connect to God more through Scripture and prayer. But some people—especially the younger generation—are moved by music. Not manipulated. Moved.
Romans 12:4–6 – “As in one body we have many members… having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”
That includes how we worship. God isn’t glorified by uniformity—He’s glorified by unity in diversity.
If the fruit is surrender, if the lyrics are truth, if the Spirit is present… then it’s worship. Whether it’s a hymn, a ballad, or a TikTok loop.
III. WE DON’T BEND TO CULTURE—BUT WE DON’T IGNORE IT EITHER
We’re not trying to fit Jesus into culture. We’re revealing that Jesus is the answer to what culture is already chasing.
Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” isn’t selling out—it’s leading people into surrender. It’s reaching a generation where they are.
1 Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
That’s not compromise—it’s compassion. We don’t change the message. But we also don’t lock it in a time capsule.
Jesus went to the boats, the tables, the streets—why are we hiding in the pews?
IV. WHEN WE CRITIQUE STYLE, WE MAY BE OPPOSING THE SPIRIT
2 Samuel 6:14 – David danced before the Lord. Michal mocked him. God judged her, not him.
Luke 19:40 – “If they keep quiet, the very stones will cry out.”
God doesn’t need your approval to be praised. And He doesn’t need your preference to reach people.
Be careful not to critique what the Spirit is doing just because it’s dressed in a sound you don’t like.
God isn’t looking for critics—He’s looking for worshipers.
V. DON’T LET PERSONAL PREFERENCE BECOME SPIRITUAL PRIDE
Some people feel holier when they reject what’s new—even if it’s reaching people for Christ. That’s not discernment—that’s spiritual pride.
Colossians 2:22–23 – “These have an appearance of wisdom… but are of no value in restraining the flesh.”
Rejecting a song’s style doesn’t make you spiritual. Obedience does. Love does. Truth does.
Jesus didn’t die so you could be comfortable in your opinions—He died to make you holy in your surrender.
VI. THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR—LET THEM WORSHIP
That little girl didn’t care about musical style. She wanted Jesus. And she found Him in a song some of us would have ignored.
Psalm 40:3 – “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
Let that happen. Let it happen through a hymn. Through a rap. Through a viral video. As long as Jesus is lifted up—let them worship.
CLOSING CHALLENGE
What if the thing that doesn’t move you is exactly what God is using to move someone else?
Are you worshiping your preference—or your Savior?
Don’t let personal discomfort become spiritual disobedience.
INVITATION TO RESPOND
If you’ve judged more than you’ve rejoiced—repent.
If you’ve silenced your praise because it didn’t feel traditional—speak it.
If you’ve clung to style instead of surrender—let it go.
Worship isn’t about what it sounds like.
It’s about who it’s for.
And His name is Jesus.
Full message: