10 Lessons Worship Songwriters Can Learn From the 10 Commandments

Imagine a worship songwriting convention organized by God Himself.

Let's say a modern day Moses leads the program.

What if this Moses goes up the Mountain to obtain a modified version of God's commandments for songwriters in particular.

Chances are, it might read something like this:

1. I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me. Write worship songs to God, about God, around God, God, God, everything else is secondary.

2. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Use 'God', 'Lord', 'Jesus' etc. meaningfully in your lyrics, they are not filler words.

3. Remember to keep holy the LORD'S Day. Sunday or otherwise, pray, plan and write skillfully with a focus on the sacred 'cos God and His Church are counting on you.

4. Honor your father and your mother. Serve your local community faithfully; honor your congregation with a preferential loyalty to them when writing songs or leading worship.

5. You shall not kill your Church's worship by introducing songs just because they are your songs. Write with purpose and have a vision when putting your songs into a set-list.

6. You shall not commit adultery by loving songs and songwriting more than God Himself.

7. You shall not steal lines/melodies from other songs. Yes, other songs inspire us, but there is a line between inspiration and plagiarism. Be original and explore the creative 'cos the Lord does not deserve copycats.

8. You shall not bear false witness by trying to write 'hits'. Write with authenticity so that the lyrics sit comfortably on your lips as well as the congregation's. Remember, Paul Baloche's No.1 tip is to 'sing your prayers.'

9. You shall not covet your neighbor's songs.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's songwriting skills.

Your turn to share: What's the one thing that you'd want to express when writing worship songs?