07/25/2023
In a discussion about music and its dynamic impact in our lives, one of my friends emphasized that music has addictive powers, implying that such addiction is not a good thing. In my agreement with him, Iâve added some expansion to that thought, which I post below:
Music is a gift from God, as is all His creation, including the sky, sun, mountains, trees, flowers, birds and the animal world, oceans, rivers, and lakes, waterfalls, rainbows. We, as those made in His image, are recipients of these to enjoy as a means of drawing us closer to Him and moving us to praise Him with all our hearts.
As such, all these gifts, parts of God's creative demonstration of His glory and mercy, are to be enjoyed. Caution must be taken, however, to ensure that we do not look to these gifts as the source of joy and gladness. They are given to enhance the gladness that comes directly from the presence of God Himself and through the glorious gospel of Jesus.
I find going outside and seeing the beauty of God's creation can be a very important and effective way to help me meditate on God and His Word. Whenever possible, I find it beneficial to be outside when I have my daily worship/Scripture/prayer time. Often I have my phone and earbuds nearby to listen to a few praise-filled songs...and sometimes I bring a hymnal. These aids can assist me as I seek to draw near to God.
Going to the mountains...boating on the lake...hiking in the woods...or a enjoying a walk in the neighborhood as you soak in the beauty God placed in your vicinity...all are aids to knowing God more deeply, when connected with His self-revelation and truth. But we must be cautious: when we look to the gifts themselves as the source of our comfort and joy rather than allowing them to direct us to the heart of God, we are guilty of idolatry, since we look to God's creation, THE GIFT, not the Creator, THE GIVER, for fullness of life.
Of course, when applied to music, there are multiple dimensions to consider:
Do the lyrics reflect that which is worthy of God?
Do they bring and reinforce truth as God has revealed in His Word?
Does the music create a sense of goodness and order, or does it hint at or induce darker things, internal and/or relational discord, or sensuality?
Further...am I allowing music to distract me from loving God with all my entire being and love my neighbor as myself.
When we utilize these gifts of God as aids to fellowship with God...as they drive us to His Word...as we understand and worship Him more fully...we come to recognize that "every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadowsâ (James 1:17).
These perspectives have important qualifications for the churchâs utilization of music in their gatherings. Scripture calls for us to sing and and it calls us to rejoice. We are to praise Him with all our being. We are to teach and admonish one another with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Music is a wonderful aid to humbling ourselves before God, bringing Him glory, rejoicing in Him, and allowing Him to cleanse us as we sing together. It is a big deal!
And yet, the elements of music have potential to be manipulative and addictive.
For example, a talented band can lead people in a worship gathering into a frenzied experience in which the mind is disengaged and the emotions are exploited, leaving one on a âspiritual highâ that may not be connected to the Holy God of the universe. In fact, that which is intended for good, if applied with an intent to manipulate emotions, can actually feed the flesh rather than lead one into the fullness of God's Spirit.
While God is pleased when we engage with both our minds and emotions as we praise Him, unchecked emotions can take control and distort truth. They can also prevent the mind from grasping truth and taking every thought captive. When music becomes the dominant and driving element, it has potential to counterfeit a work of God, stimulating the senses in what seems to be a spiritual encounter...all the while erecting a barrier between the deceived worshiper and the Almighty.
Satan is the great counterfeiter, and he loves to seduce people who are engaged in spiritual activity. That is why we are warned to be on our guard and to be watchful at all times, lest we be deceived.
We are to worship in spirit and in truth. We are to engage with our minds and our spirit. When this occurs, a beautiful fellowship of praise draws us near to God and to one another.
I thank God for music. It has enriched my life as it has reinforced so much of what God has taught me. It has blessed congregations I have belonged to. But above all, praise be to God, the Creator and Giver of all good gifts...and praise Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Savior.
Let the praise commence....
M.D.M.
Romans 11:36
