It communicates biblical values, sometimes with passion, action and urgency. It can teach, rebuke, correct, train, reflect joy, boast triumph and reach out to lost, hurting, broken-hearted people. Christian music can strengthen our faith and joy in Christ, help us reflect on Christ, bring us closer to God, give us greater vision of God's glory, stimulate us to worship God, to live a holy life and fight against the devil. (Judges 5, Numbers 21:16-18, 1 Chron. 15:16-28, Nehemiah 12:27-43, Psalms)
The variety of styles has birthed much controversy and even division among Christians. The issue should never be over a particular 'style', for the Bible doesn't tell us what style God prefers. What if we get to heaven and find out God likes punk or rap worship? His Spirit cannot be placed in a box. We cannot tell others what music will or won't minister to their individual heart. Just like people have varying tastes in food, so do we in music too!
Lyrics are the most important element in communicating through music. Strong lyrics combined with a catchy melody can have a powerful impact on the listener. When choosing music one can ask: What does the song say? Is the message clear? Can I understand it? Can I tell the group is singing about God?
The 'beat' is what we tap our foot to. The Bible has nothing negative to say about percussion instruments and drums. Drums aren't evil. It's the spirit in the heart of the musician that can use them for evil, just as a knife can be used by a skilled surgeon to save a life or by an angry person to kill. A typewriter can be used to write a prayer or pornographic story. Is the knife or typewriter evil?
Volume has been a controversial issue since the introduction of electronic amplification. Does God like His music loud? Often, the Bible speaks of playing instruments loudly, singing loudly, making loud noises and great multitudes praising God. (Isaiah 12:6, Luke 19:37, Psalms, Rev. 5:12, 7:9-10, 19) Though we sing softly and quietly to the Lord, the Bible has no commands to do so. How loud is loud? Is soft more biblical than loud? Since God looks at the heart, can't we honor, worship and glorify God at any volume? A preference for volume can be a matter of personal taste. However, if volume is all that excites you, you're missing the message and perhaps missing what God is saying to you.
The appearances of some Christian musicians can cause you to conclude, "they look and sound just like the world!" Are they taking on the attitudes, beliefs and values of the world Romans 12:1 warns against? What is the look of the 'world'? Who looks more like the world, a Christian businessman in a suit or a Christian musician in his stage clothes? My pastor wears a suit, so does playboy giant Hugh Hugh Hefner and John Gotti the mob boss. If a Christians appearance offends you, who's to say it offends God? I know ear and nose pierced, tattooed, leather clad, dyed haired musicians, who would put those who sit in the pews criticizing and judging them to shame, when it comes to witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel. Without question, clothing which is sensual or sexually suggestive is inappropriate and can entice lustful thoughts of others. (1 Tim 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3-4)
Discerning motives and lifestyles of musicians is difficult. In choosing an artist to listen to one may ask: Do they have a 'look at me' or 'look at God' attitude? Do they appear to be seeking fame, money and self-glorification or do they glorify God and His Kingdom? Do they portray pride and arrogance or meekness and humbleness? Do they claim to know God but never sing about Him, His Kingdom and values? Is the artist pointing their life, ministry and performance to Christ? Anyone can say they're a Christian, know God and sing Christian songs, but does their life reflect Christ? (1 John 2:6) Hell will be full of people who honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. (Matt. 7:15-23, 15:8) Just because a style of music is labeled 'Christian', doesn't mean it is. Many secular artists thank God for a produced recording or an award, but it doesn't mean they're a Christian, especially if their life doesn't model Christ and He's not their Lord and Savior.
If a particular style of Christian music ministers to your heart, helps you focus on the greatness of God and draws you closer to Him, then listen to it. When in doubt, don't partake. Be discerning. When music is inspired and anointed by the Holy spirit of God, there will always be fruit glorifying God, even at evangelistic meetings where Christian rock or rap music is used to prepare a young heart for the preaching of the Word. . >From the great, traditional hymns of the faith to the new songs of today, God is and will continue to be blessed by the praises of His people. Let's keep our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and spend our breath praising Him, instead of judging or criticizing those who perhaps have different tastes in music than we do.
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