Music has been called the "universal language." Truly nothing can stir the emotions, even the spirit, any more surely than the tune of a violin, or piano, or guitar, the beat of a drum, or the sound of a passionate voice moving in melody. Perhaps it is an innate longing for heaven where, according to the Book of Revelation, there will be praise in song for eternity around the throne of God.

Of course, this sinful world has tarnished and perverted God's gift of music. Harsh chords and filthy language have taken the place of praise. And perhaps that's to be expected if we suspect that it was Lucifer who led the music in heaven before he fell (Isaiah 14:11-15). Still, Psalm 22:3 tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people, and when I praise, I can not help but sing!

Colossians 3:16 gives reason to keep a song of praise upon our lips: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." With the Word of God alive within us, our songs, whether they are spontaneous or rehearsed, can do much more than just offer worship to our Creator.  They can touch the hearts and spirits of those who hear, teaching and admonishing (gently reproving, warning), and drawing even the unsaved into the Presence of Almighty God. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). That living and active Word paired with the soul-stirring influence of music is a powerful force, a mighty weapon laid in the hands (and mouths) of the children of God!

 

This is not to say that all secular music is bad or "of the devil." Of course not. But in analyzing literature there is a thing called "moral tone." It boils down to how the story makes you feel. Does it give a positive or a negative overall message? Literature can have a positive moral tone, in which case, whether the author realized it or not, he/she was influenced by the Holy Spirit; or it can have a negative moral tone, in which case, at best it was influenced by the world, at worst, it was influenced by the enemy of our souls. Music is the same way. And this has nothing at all to do with whether it is a fast song or a slow one, filled with percussion or a harp solo, traditional or contemporary.

I celebrate with the writer of Psalm 92: "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For You make me glad by Your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of Your Hands. How great are Your works, O Lord, how profound Your thoughts!" Amen.