Napoleon Dynamite
The Emotions of the Heart Pt. 4
MESSAGE:
In Napoleon Dynamite, Napoleon has one amazing skill that should score him a high school date for the dance. He draws a pencil sketch of his affection and sends it to her. In his labor of love, he admits that he spent three hours shading her upper-lip. Unfortunately, his date is not impressed at her distorted pencil drawing. Later in the movie, Napoleon gives his true love, Deb, a fish to win her over. He has all the right moves. 
 
Songs play a pivotal role in our everyday lives. We learn the alphabet through singing. Songs can change our mood. We accept paying $500 to sit in the balcony of a theater to hear Adele or Taylor Swift. We can’t escape the power of song and I don’t think there’s anyone in this world that wants to.

Psalm 104:2 encourages the listener to sing out God’s praises. The book of Psalms is the longest book of the Bible and it is all lyrics to songs. The message of music and spirituality is that it is genuine and authentic. You can compliment someone under your breath and not mean it. You can fake a cheerful attitude. You cannot fake a song. They require energy and effort.

Singing is a group activity. You can’t really share one painting* or one dramatic reading, but you can share a song. When you share a song with a community you are declaring a truth with enthusiasm and honesty. This is why national anthems are songs and not dad jokes or limericks.

If you hate singing and have picky music tastes consider this argument for singing loud and proud for God. Every praise, truthful, and wholesome song is dedicated to God. It is a personal gift to his throne. It’s like discovering that your high school crush likes cupcakes. You don’t make them a half-hearted dumpster cake; you put sprinkles and colorful frosting all over it. Even if you don’t care for cupcakes you do it.

You might not feel like God should get singing from you. I would encourage you to focus on the gift portion of it. If you are singing words that you truly believe then you can give God his own personal concert. He would pay $500 to hear you.

*I would love more opportunities to paint for God, BTW

Research: Ephesians 5:15-20

What good songs get stuck in your head?

Why is singing to God and giving thanks on a regular basis considered wise?

What positive things come out of a community that is regularly singing (rejoicing) about the attributes of God?