Music is a vivid and dynamic part of life. It is a rare bridge that can connect different, even disparate opinions under banners of beauty and community. There is something unique about music's usage of melody, harmony, and rhythm in that it can transmit deep truth in an accessible way. Music is truly a gift straight from God. Like any gift from the Lord, there is a specific purpose and intent to music: praise. Music is a medium for worship and should be understood as such.
In two separate epistles, Paul gives believers directions as to the purpose and the practice of music (Eph. 5:17-21; Col. 3:16-17). For Paul, music is a useful platform for expressing truth. More importantly, music is a way for believers to speak and relate to one another in godliness.
This is huge. Because music is what it is, theology can be paired with simple, memorable melodies that latch into our hearts. Think of all the times when there is a song stuck in your head. This is the purpose of music. The challenge then is to make sure that the music that we are plugging in to is true. Not just a truth, but the truth, which is Jesus. We should strive to be inputting music that speaks theology. In this way, we are using one of God's greatest gifts in the way that He intends. But how can we find music that praises Him?
Fortunately, God has gifted the world with a plethora, a cacophony of musical geniuses that write music that is worshipful and focused on Him. Additionally, every thinkable genre has musicians singing biblically-grounded lyrics. From metal to rap to country to rock and everything in between, we can praise the Lord in Spirit and in truth in any style of music that grabs us. This is a beautiful thing.
In choosing music, like choosing any kind of art, the most important thing to assess its content in reference to the Word. This is part of music's purpose. Music is a medium for the Word to take root in our hearts and in our minds. This should not be taken lightly. Because of the gravity and the great potential for spiritual harm, music should be considered with a sober-mind, not void of music's emotional content, but focused on what the music is actually saying about God. The purpose is supposed to be worship and praise. For more on this, read Psalms 145-150.
Good advice, Nick. We have to be careful when delivering music to others. What about playing songs other than worship songs for people to dance to? A good rock song, for example. It doesn't speak of the Lord, or give Him praise. It makes people happy to get up and dance, and just have fun. It may encourage promiscuous behavior, or hurting someone, however. If we play songs that are not immoral or unethical, we have to be careful how we perform them. If we perform them sensually, we should be ashamed. If it doesn't bring glory to the Lord, should we be performing them at all? These are questions Christian musicians need to examine in their hearts before they play for the almighty buck, or for musical desire. If we play music other than for the Lord, why do we play at all? "Let your lights so shine, that they may see the good works..." Love, Mama Kori
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