DAILY DEVOTIONAL MUSIC AND CHRISTIANS Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. KJB Some would tell you that the style of music that is played does not matter, but rather the words that are sang do. But, that is not true. The style of music does matter greatly. Music, as you well know, is a vital part of our worship service and actually plays a part in every aspect of our lives. However, for the Christian, the True Believer in Jesus Christ, music needs to be placed on an elevated spot in our worship service. I want you to see something that Paul is very concerned about, we read in verse 17 that we are to do all in the name of the Lord. . .. Now, in order for it to be elevated to that higher position, we are to surrender our self interests to those of Christ, and we are also told to allow the Word of Christ to literally full our lives abundantly and to inhabit our lives (vs. 16). When we have a good Bible consciousness, the good music seems to flow from us in such a fashion as to teach or to edify those who are listening. Folks, if the words cannot be understood because the music drowns it out, then who does it edify? It does not edify the hearer, but rather the one who is doing the singing, they should know the words at least. The good music can also admonish us or to even guide us. Therefore, the end result will be a closer walk with Christ. Music needs to come under direct scrutiny from the Scriptures, afterall, it is used to teach is it not? If it does not teach anything, or admonish us, or even edify us, who is it benefiting? Folks, we need to know what the Word of God says and if the music does not line up with Scriptures, then it should never be allowed to be sung in the service, period. It is the character of God music that is found in our text for today. The music must have lyrics that are easily understood even by the hearing impaired. The style has to be such that it does not detract from the character of God nor take away the glory He deserves. It has to be sung with Gods Word, and it needs to be both in purity of doctrine and the purity of our behavior on earth. Music also needs to have spiritual character rather than carnal or have a worldly tone. Some will tell you that rock music draws those who love it, but, once again, does that music edify the hearer who should be able to understand the words? The music of the world, especially rock music should never be played in any service by the Christian. If it looks like the world, is it Christian? NO! Christ over and over tells us to separate ourselves from the world and everything attached to that world. Rock music, rap music and any other form of music that is a mirror image of the world is trash and should never be used in any service, even youth services, especially youth services. How are they to learn to be separate from the world when they still listen to, and play the worlds form of music? They wont, that is for sure. The last thing is, it needs to be able to please an audience of only one person: the Lord Jesus Christ. I want you to take note of the types of music in the Bible. We have Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This is the music that a Christian needs to listen, to sing and enjoy, not the music of the world. This is the music of a person whose life completely shows forth the word of God and is full of that same word, and whose heart is mightily lifting the name of the Lord up in is grateful to that same Lord. Now, to the heart of the issue. A Christian needs to be able to ask themselves several questions about their music. Does the one singing the music glorify God? Also, is that same artist singing spiritual music, and not carnal or lost/worldly styles? Does the words, which are understood by all, glorify the Lord? Does the music promote the spiritual aspects of God, and not the carnal sides of man or sensual self? We read in 1 Corinthians this! Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) KJB. Are you doing all those things with your music? If not, stop what you are doing and do what is right! By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of Gods Holy Word, Ontario, Oregon.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:19:55 +0000
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