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Home Statement of Faith Origin of Music Purpose of Music Uses of Music in the Church Uses of Music Personally The Church Music Ministry About me |
Using Music Personally There are many different views as to what a Christian can listen to privately. Most of these views have been developed in an incorrect fashion. Most Christians develop their music standards by what they hear growing up and base what is right and wrong upon preferences instead of the Bible. When a person states that he or she knows right music from wrong music based on what sounds right or what sounds good, that person has replaced God and the Bible with self as the authority. Frankly, this is idolatry and humanism. Satan has a great time with Christians who think this way. The Christian may be listening to music that is completely acceptable, but, with that Christian as the authority, Satan can manipulate thoughts and emotions to draw the Christian into worse and worse music. If the person has no standards other than self, Satan will introduce words and notes that “lean” a little to the wrong. When that becomes acceptable, Satan will do it again and again until the Christian is reduced to ineffectiveness. If the person believes that the words must be Biblical but the notes do not matter, Satan will tamper with the notes in songs. The Christian, in this case, will eventually be listening to good words and evil notes. That creates confusion in the believer and then the believer is confronted with a choice to forget all standards regarding music. At this point, the choice to give up is a very easy one to make. So what should a believer do? If one is really serious about creating a personal Godly music standard, then the first step is to understand Scripture extremely well and nurture a close relationship with God. This step is the best safeguard against Satan putting words in front of a believer that may be unscriptural. Remember, Satan is not going to flaunt the wrong; he is going to use subtlety and provide words that are only slightly wrong. Once this is accomplished, one should create a music standard that is extremely similar to the one described for a church service. All music at this point should worship God and give Him praise. This is the most conservative music standard that could be adopted by a believer. But instead of relying upon a pastor, song leader, or any other human being to decided whether a song is proper or not, the believer should decide in conjunction with Scripture and the Holy Spirit. If the words are Biblically correct and the notes are proper without stirring improper desires and emotions, then the song is safe.Once a good conservative music standard is set that utilizes the Bible and the Holy Spirit, then one can begin to add secular music with caution. Certainly, this is not mandatory but rather optional. Some of you reading this may be extremely concerned with this step. But there are many, many secular songs written over hundreds of years that, while they do not worship God nor praise Him, they do not detract from that worship or praise either. The words of these songs do not contradict scripture and the notes do not cause one to react in a negative manner. Think about common children’s songs. Most of these, in their original form, are not contrary to Biblical standards. However, the world has added unacceptable harmony and rhythm to these songs. Caution must be exercised. Classical music is another branch of music that may be added. Except for opera, classical music generally does not have words and the problem of ensuring the words do not violate Scripture is completely avoided. The area in which one should be concerned is how the classical piece influences the individual. A piece that leaves the listener with negative emotions should not be listened to. Recall the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, 23. If when the music is over the fruit of the Spirit is diminished, that music should not be listened to again. Other types of music can be added as well – just cautiously. The key to building a consistent Biblical music standard is knowledge of the Scriptures and a close walk with God. If a song or particular style of song is a problem, He will let you know through the Holy Spirit but only if you have done your part. A consistent Biblical music standard can be set but it takes work. An unwillingness to do the work is nothing more than surrender to Satan. You must know Scripture well and have a close relationship with God. You must analyze each song to see if the words contradict Scripture and if the notes stir illicit feelings or negative emotions. Each of us has to build this “fortress” in our lives to keep Satan from using one of the most powerful influences in the world from destroying us.
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