Music

I feel that myself and other Christian young people need a greater understanding of music and how it may affect our relationship with Jesus. I make no claim to be an expert in psychology or any other science relative to this field. What follows is the simple experiences and observations of a young man who grew up in a modern era.

I am not a person who does not enjoy music or has a bias against any particular style. I believe I can say that I have or do enjoy music of extremely different styles and my family and friends can vouch that what I say is true.

Let me begin, what may be a little difficult to put on paper!

You have probably heard the idea that music is 'amoral.' That music is neither good nor bad. The point of that argument is this - "I'm justified in listening to any kind of music that I want to." But the argument presented here is misleading. For example, let's make an analogy between food and music. Eating is a good thing; if you don't eat you'll die. However, if you eat too much, you could be guilty of the sin of gluttony. If you over-indulge in fine foods, you are in danger of the sin of extravagance. If you eat unhealthy things, you may be dishonoring the “temple of the Holy Spirit”. Do you see how people who say, “music is amoral” are missing the point? I hope so.

Music is a natural thing – or an earthly. It is a physical thing if you will. Music affects you in a physical way. Let's risk another analogy. God designed humans to need and enjoy sexual relationships; He planned it for one man and one woman. However, we are tempted to over-indulge – to satisfy the flesh. The flesh cannot be satisfied outside of God's grace; and the sex addiction, however it is manifested, completely destroys the individual.

Let me reinforce, music is not in itself a spiritual thing. Music is not holy in and of itself. Music is an expression; therefore it is holy only when it is communicating from a heart that is holy. Notice! The lyrics do not make music holy. (In fact, words in themselves are not holy; as we all know of people who say all the right words, but are not themselves holy.) What's the point? Music can be a powerful expression of worship to a holy God, but it is inherently dangerous because it operates in the physical realm and not the spiritual. In other words, just as in relationships and food, we can expect to be tempted to indulge unholy, fleshly desires in our music.

This is an age where you need never be without music! And, many people take full advantage of this. Putting music into their heads endlessly until music becomes in some way necessary for their very function! Because music is fleshly, styles must change to satisfy the unquenchable appetite – rhythms, beats, and volume must be continually ramped up to provide the same effect. Think of carnival rides. At first the ferris wheel is awesome!then more and more simulated danger is necessary for the same emotional response. Harmful substance addictions work the same way. Christians are not to be addicted to anything but Jesus. It doesn't matter if you are addicted to George Beverly Shea or Casting Crowns or the newest, hottest rock group; it's equally wrong and is a form of idolatry. The presence of constant music for entertainment will block your ability to hear God's voice speaking to you. And it is very, very difficult, and takes the help of the Holy Spirit, to know when music has crossed the fine line between worship and entertainment. I believe if we can free ourselves from the need for entertainment; our worship through music will be easier and richer. So, while we feel ourselves losing something; we will actually be 'purifying, enriching, and deepening the possibilities of worship through music! In losing, we gain!

By the grace of God, one day I noticed, that the first thing I always did when I entered my room was turn on the cd player! God helped me realize that I had a problem. He first showed me that secular music was harming me spiritually. The vocal styles and, of course, words of country and pop love music is aimed at creating sexual desire. We all know that you can have a sexual experience with just your eyes; is it not entirely possible to have a 'remote' sexual experience through the ear gate? And, in fact, that's what happening, young people! And again, lyrics and music/vocal styles are not the same thing and do not predict each other; a Christian song or group can be communicating a sexual message. And, in the opinion of this humble Christian, it is happening everywhere. Just looking at the album pictures should inform us what the musicians are trying to communicate. You cannot mix ungodly things with godly and come up with something beneficial. The devil understands this; why can't we?

The driving beat and rhythm and loud vocals of some Southern Gospel and music from the charismatic movement is equally dangerous. These styles work up an emotional response which is not connected to the message of the words. Music of a more classical nature can produce the same effect. What's worse is this emotional response is many times intentionally passed off as the work of the Holy Spirit. This is not an easy place to make distinctions; I'm convinced it takes the Spirit of Jesus to alert us when the emotional response is 'false fire.' Obviously humans are emotional creatures and love for God affects the emotions. But back to the reverberating theme! Emotions are also a physical thing; and God's love and working in us is also very independent of the emotions. Unholy, supposed Christian artists, are using music to manipulate the emotions for their own ends – not God's.

Let's sum up. Music and lyrics and vocal styles are separate things - they each have their own respective character and distinct ability to lead us into sin.
Emotions and the work of the Holy Spirit are again different things. Music can create an emotional response (happiness, joy) which is not connected to the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Music, even good music, can easily become entertainment in your home or elsewhere, which can become a form of idolatry.
Music, because of it's link to the flesh, can carry a 'sexual message.
Any time you sacrifice your fleshly interests you will be reaping a present and eternal blessing. Music can be a powerful expression of your love for Christ.