The Power and Purpose of Music
Music is one of the most powerful influences in human experience — capable of lifting the spirit or depressing it, stirring godly devotion or arousing ungodly desires. Because what we feed into our minds inevitably shapes our values, attitudes and actions, the music we choose to listen to deserves careful and honest evaluation.
Music's Influence on the Mind and Emotions
Music is a very powerful medium for good or evil; it can lift or depress the spirit, invigorate or aggravate the emotions, stir up evil desires or bring peace (1 Sam 16:14-23). This applies to both the lyrics and the tune, as whatever we engage in or interact with has a subtle yet profound influence on us — what we "feed" into our minds shapes our values, and as it will surface in our speech and actions, this must be monitored closely (Lk 6:45; Phil 4:8; Col 3:2,5).
With many modern songs, the beat and rhythm of the music take prominence over the vocals and harmony, resulting in arousing sexual cravings and adversely affecting the personality. Excess loudness also has a detrimental effect on the physical body. As we are to do everything to the glory of God, we should evaluate whether the music we listen to brings us closer to God or stirs up ungodly thoughts and unrest within (1 Cor 10:31).
Music has a profound effect on our emotions
Do the singers and musicians that I listen to portray a positive lifestyle? Do the words and musical composition convey life or death? Uplifting music creates a positive mental attitude, while that which is inharmonious and jarring depresses further.
Music in Worship and the Church
Godly music and singing that reflects on God and His character is a common route leading to praise and worship of God (Ps 81:1-4, 95:2, 98:4-6, 100:2, 150:3-5; Col 3:16-17). In the corporate setting of church life, the style and noise level of the music are generally the most divisive component, thus tolerance must be exercised — after all, worship is all about God, not us and our preferences. Those leading should be conscious that their role is simply facilitating those present coming into a place of combined connection to God, and not putting on a self-centred fleshly performance.
Music as Evidence of the Spirit's Work
Although Paul and Silas had been severely flogged and thrown into jail, they were soon "praying and singing hymns to God" — and He miraculously intervened on their behalf (Act 16:25). An evidence of the Holy Spirit in one's life is a song in the heart and a melody of praise (Eph 5:18-20).
Reflection and Application:
- Does the music I listen to draw me closer to God or stir up ungodly thoughts and unrest within?
- Do the lyrics and melodies I engage with convey life or death, peace or agitation?
- Am I exercising tolerance in corporate worship, remembering that worship is about God, not personal preference?
- Is there a song of praise in my heart — a melody that evidences the Holy Spirit at work within me?