I was asked in a private message, "How important is music to the church and why?" I admit, this is one of the first times I have attempted to collect my thoughts on the subject. This post is not intended to be exhaustive or "official" in any way. I am young and still learning many things. My reply ended up being long, but I learned a lot through the study and wanted to share it. I hope it's a blessing to you!
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THE QUESTION
I think any question of "importance" in a ministry or part of life is determined by the importance placed on it in Scripture. I can give you my "opinion" on its importance, but I might be a little biased since I am a musician So, my question to myself is: how important does Scripture seem to make music to the church?
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
If we think of "church" as the corporate coming together of the church body on days like Sunday and Wednesday, then there isn't much the Bible has to say about the practice of singing songs in the church. We know that Jesus and the disciples sang hymns when they met together (Matt. 26:30). We also know that the church is commanded to teach and admonish one another through Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16). This is different from the idea of singing to ourselves (such as alone in our hearts) as taught in Eph. 5:19. I think of how Paul and Silas sang together while in prison. I also think of how the Corinthian church engaged in Psalm-singing, although Paul is rebuking them throughout this chapter (1 Cor. 14:26). So, although biblical examples of corporate church singing are scarce, I do believe its importance is taught in principle.
Let's consider two of the main purposes for church (the gathering together of believers):
1. Edification — as Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 12, the members of the church body edify one another (12:4-7, 25, 26); the purpose of ministry and gifting is found in charity and edification — not self-edification or pride (1 Cor. 13:1-3; 14:4).
2. Preaching and teaching — We are to seek to edify, exhort, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3) through the proclamation of God's perfect Word (2 Peter 1:19). This is one reason why I believe preaching needs to remain central when the church body is gathered together.
These two areas are not exhaustive (I am thinking of things like the two ordinances, evangelization, worship, etc.), but I think they cover many things. When we are fellowshipping as a church, breaking bread together, praising God together, we are engaging in edification and exhortation (Acts. 2:46-47). The church body is a gift from God and we would do well to heed the admonishment not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25).
So, then the question remains, how does music contribute to these things (edification, exhortation, teaching, etc.)? In many ways:
– 1 Cor. 3:16 says it "teach[es]" and "admonish[es]" us and that it is a way for the "Word of Christ" to "dwell in [us] richly."
– Eph. 5:19 echoes the same thoughts.
So it can be seen that singing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is one way for us to fulfill certain ministry purposes of the church body.
We seek to comfort each other as a church body or show love one toward another or to carry one another's burdens; think of the many ways that music accomplishes these purposes beautifully:
- Music is very comforting to a troubled person (1 Sam 16:23).
- Music can express great love and compassion (as seen in the Book of Psalms).
- Music allows us, in a way, to feel what others feel (Rom. 12:15). However, the Bible challenges us not to use music as a means of depressing people further but rather of teaching and admonishing one another (Prov. 25:20).
THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
So, how important is music to God?
Some things to consider:
1. God joys over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
2. When the earth was created, the morning stars sang together (Job 38:7).
3. Music is in Heaven (Revelation 5:9-14 and 14:2-3).
4. The largest book of the Bible is a songbook (Psalms).
5. When Israel was worshiping God wrongly (the golden calf) God recorded in Scripture that their music resembled the "noise of war." He was so angered by their wrong worship practices (known in the Bible as idolatry), that He was going to swallow all of Israel up in the earth and start over again with Moses (Exodus 32).
6. Scripture records the "father of all such as handle the harp and organ" — his name is Jubal (Genesis 4:21).
7. Scripture speaks of the musicians who worked night and day in the temple (I Chronicles 9:33).
8. At least one of God's cherubims, Lucifer (Satan), has tabrets and pipes in his body (Ezekiel 28:13).
More could be said, but I think this covers a lot of biblical ground. I would say there is a strong biblical case that music is essential to the Christian life and, because of this, important to the church. Music-making is commanded throughout Scripture and is a beautiful gift from God. It is a way the church body can accomplish its purposes and it helps us to love God and one another.
"GOOD" AND "BAD" MUSIC
Lastly, I think it's important to discuss the concept of "good" and "bad" music. Because music teaches us things (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), then it is capable of teaching us false things. I believe it does this either through false words (lyrics) or false impressions (style). Musical styles, it’s important to remember, are capable of leading us into states of mind or body that are not Biblical (I think of Jesus’ statement against “vain repetition” and paganism in Matt. 6:7. I also think of the commitment to “not be brought under the power of any” in I Cor. 6:12). Also, since music is often used as a form of worship, it is important that we remember the numerous commandments and admonishments to worship God in a manner that He can receive. Scripture is replete with principles that can be applied both to proper doctrine and worship.
Since we are told to "Keep [our] heart with all diligence" (Pro. 4:23) and to "Love the Lord thy God" with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), then music should necessarily be included. We have a responsibility to ask ourselves, "Does this music please God?" or, in other words, "Does this music follow godly commands and principles as God outlines in His word?" If the music I listen to draws me into the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and/or the pride of life, I can discern that it is probably worldly music or, at the very least, it is music which I should personally avoid. However, discerning such things can be very difficult. I think of Hebrews 5:14, which says, "Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Part of recognizing the nature of music is learning discernment and strengthening our senses. Probably, one of the best ways to do this is by listening to clearly good music for an extended period of time, music of which there is no doubt or question (Rom. 14:23). Examples might be good hymns performed in a conservative way or beautiful classical music written to glorify God (Bach, Handel, etc.), though I understand the struggle to be purely objective here. This can help us to strengthen our good senses so we can more readily recognize evil. We struggle greatly not to become like those whose consciences have been seared with a hot iron prophesied in I Timothy 4:2. I believe constant exposure to television, smartphones, and secular jobs (none of which are bad in themselves) has made it very difficult for us (I include myself here, certainly) to keep our consciences sensitive and undefiled. Beyond these two styles, there are many other genres of music which I believe are good gifts from God when used appropriately (romantic music, marching music, waltzing music, and a great variety of other styles [I Cor. 10:31]). I also think there are styles that tend toward wrong behaviors (music of a rebellious, lustful, idolatrous, or hateful nature [I John 2:16] or which contain a wicked spirit [Pro. 16:18,19]). If you have questions about a specific song or style, I think it is wise to ask a trusted, godly leader. Prayer, Bible study, and spiritual growth will all contribute as we seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in this important area of life.
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CONCLUSION
So, in summary, I would say:
1. Music is very important.
2. Music belongs in church.
3. God loves music.
4. Music should be part of our daily life.
5. The language of music can be used to express great good or great evil.
6. There are many great ways to enjoy good music:
– In church: choirs, specials, congregational singing, group singing, instrumentals, the list goes on. Be creative so long as it remains orderly, edifying, and holy.
– In everyday life: singing in our hearts, enriching our lives, praising and glorifying God, romancing our marriage partner, giving courage to battle, etc., the list goes on and we can be creative here as well so long as we adhere to godly principles.
And very lastly, and perhaps most importantly of all, any attempt to please the Lord must ultimately be in development of a heart that is truly right before God. What then is my motive: to love God with all my heart and express my thankfulness for His salvation, or is it to show everyone how "holy" and "godly" I am? We may be "clean on the outside" but God cares most about who we are on the inside (Matt. 23:25-26). This does not mean we should only do good when we "feel like it" on the inside, but rather that we should seek integrity of our thoughts and minds through Christ so that the outside is a proper reflection of who we are in Christ.
I know this is a super long answer! I just thought it was a great question and wanted to answer it the best I could. _______________________________
I hope my response was a blessing to you! Please feel free to comment below and subscribe for more.