Haze machines…🤔

Worship in spirit haze and truth lights.

**UPDATE AS OF 11/20/2023** Wouldn’t you know it. I gladly accepted an invite to play at our church’s Night of Worship. There was a haze machine…and I was the closest one to it. #funny Everything in this post was true for me. We sang amazing, truth-filled songs and the time of singing pointed solely to Christ. God is good, brothers and sisters. #cough 😉

I was recently confronted with a situation—one that I knew would come one day and I already knew what I would do when it arrived.

The situation? Being asked to play a gathering where they would use elaborate stage lights and a haze machine.

Why does this matter to me so much? I love our church. We aren’t without problems and we do things that I’d rather not do or wish we did differently. But by and large, the church I attend is solid. The pastor preaches truth and warns of error; the gospel is proclaimed; the people of God are called to pursue holiness; we take communion; we strive to sing songs rich with biblical truth and my family is very close with a few families that are dear to us. The people God has surrounded us with at this time mean the world to me and enrich my walk with the Lord.

If you’ve known me for a length of time, you know that I take very seriously our responsibility to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24); reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). I’ve written on and engaged the community about these things in the past. The song Reckless Love is off the table for me because it’s unbiblical. I don’t care how the writer meant it—it’s simply not true that God’s love is reckless. Theologically, doctrinally, linguistically—it’s a false description. I’ve respectfully refused to help with numerous song requests through GuitarforHISGLORY because the words simply aren’t accurate from a biblical standpoint. Again, it doesn’t matter what is meant by the words; it matters if it’s true. Singing biblically accurate lyrics is more important than if the song sounds good, is catchy or makes you feel good.

I provide that context to demonstrate that my commitment to John 4:24 and Hebrews 12:28-29 requires that I take a stand every now and then.

Also, if you’ve known me for a length of time, you know that I’m a bit grumpy and tightly wound.

So, as to be expected, I took a stand about the haze machine.

I reached out to the brother who asked me to join them for the event and explained that I wouldn’t be able to participate if a haze machine would be used; it was a conviction thing for me. To condense the story: We talked on the phone later that day, respectfully and lovingly stating our positions. I believe we challenged one another in a healthy way. We were both gentle about it, which I was very thankful for. In the end, I backed out of the event.

After this, I met with people on both sides of the position, as I believe when it concerns an issue not specifically mentioned in the bible that we should be balanced and thorough in our attempts to make a wise decision. I haven’t always navigated situations in such a way, so it’s amazing to actually realize sanctification. Praising God for that.

So what were my initial concerns about the haze machine?

• It’s worldly and showy.
• It makes the worship gathering a spectacle, and I don’t want the worship band to be the focus in any way, shape or form.
• Are we trying to create an atmosphere of worship? Because that’s a worship-culture buzz word and isn’t found anywhere in the bible.
• It seems completely unnecessary. PA systems, mics, podiums, amplified instruments are all necessary when you’re gathering with 500+ people. Cameras are necessary to stream the gathering. I understand those things are necessary, but haze machines?
• How does this show anyone that we’re different from the world?
• Can I stand before God one day and give an account about this?

The other side’s argument (my initial, knee-jerk responses in red):

• It’s just another tool to make a pleasing gathering, both to God and his people. Well that’s a cop-out way to think of it. “Just another tool.” Can’t we say that about anything, then? Where’s the line? Do we lean on 1 Corinthians 10:31 to excuse whatever we want?
• There’s nothing inherently wrong with it. But is that our goal? Is “nothing inherently wrong with it” the right bar to set? Or is our goal to push for the most God-honoring worship gathering possible?
• If there are brothers and sisters who are truly converted that have talents in those areas, why can’t they use them to the glory of God? Where do we draw the line there? That seems like a slippery slope.

So where did I land?

Thanks to God’s sanctifying work in my life, I was able to be patient: both in prayer, in seeking Godly men for counsel and my interactions with others about this issue. I felt as if, for one of the few times in my life, I was able to be sensible and reasonable in my dealings. I’m so thankful for that. Had I reacted to my gut feeling, this could have been bad and less-than God-honoring.

Actually speaking with those involved and learning their hearts, my heart began to soften. It’s funny how putting flesh on a problem like that can change your mind. Instead of judging and complaining from a distance, I learned their hearts and shared mine, and it made all the difference.

After several discussions, I was able to construct the following responses to my own concerns (responses in teal):

• • It’s worldly and showy. If we make it that way, yes. But adding a haze machine doesn’t change the HEARTS of the people leading worship. We are still the same redeemed sinners., but we are using tools to bring glory to God and simply make the space look visually appealing, which isn’t inherently bad.
  • It makes the worship gathering a spectacle, and I don’t want the worship band to be the focus in any way, shape or form. It doesn’t have to be a spectacle. Even with moving lights and haze—the hearts are what matter, and if our motivations are right, then this can be done tastefully.
  • Are we trying to create an atmosphere of worship? Because that’s a worship-culture buzz word and isn’t found anywhere in the bible. Well, some people really enjoy lights and haze, and it has nothing to do with whether or not they love God. It doesn’t have to be about creating a faux atmosphere; it can simply be about bringing joy to God’s people. There’s also nothing wrong with making the space look pleasing to the eye.
  • How does this show anyone that we’re different from the world? It can show people we’re different from the world by showing them the redeemed use of these things. Don’t we do that with other things, like wine? Provided biblical songs are sung, they can see that believers can use these things to God’s glory. Imagine an unbeliever walking into a faithful, bible-believing church utilizing these things. What will be the difference? Words about God almighty being sung by his redeemed people. What a stark contrast. Lights, haze, an excited band playing loud music, a group of people singing in one voice. All for what? The words should make it clear: The glory of our risen Savior who redeemed us and empowers us to use guitars, drums, microphones, PA systems, video cameras, editing software and, yes, even haze machines, for HIS glory.

• • Can I stand before God one day as I give an account about this? Yes, I believe I can. I believe I thoroughly explored the problem, learned the hearts of my brothers involved, considered how my wife felt and thoughtfully arrived in a place that is both loving to my brothers (horizontally) and, if done right, honoring to God (vertically).

In the end, can haze machines and lights be a huge distraction and a disgraceful part of a worship gathering? Absolutely. They can be irreverent and dishonoring to God. But so can preachers, for crying out loud. But they don’t have to be. Just like wine can be bad news and lead to bad things, it doesn’t have to. Our use of such things must be tempered and used in a way that provides a faithful witness and mutual encouragement to the body of Christ.

That’s where I am for now on this issue.