The Power of Music
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Ephesians 5:19 (KJV)
Melody in this verse actually means music. This verse tells us what kind of songs and music we are to listen to and sing.
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Revelation 5:9 (KJV) emphasis mine
If we pay close attention to the wording of this verse, we can see that singing and speaking can be interchangeable. What is spoken can be sung, and what is sung can be spoken. So, what kind of singing and listening should we be doing? Does it really matter what kind of music we listen to? Like everything else, the Word of God should be our guide.
Ephesians 5:19 tells us what to listen to and what we should sing or play (on instruments): psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. If it doesn’t fall into one of those categories, we don’t need it. Psalms are spiritual songs set to music. In Greek, it means a striking with the fingers a song of praise. This means that any song that isn’t scriptural doesn’t come from God- and we have no business listening to it, singing it, or playing it.
We are to sing, listen to, and play songs and music that glorifies God, reveals and manifests God, and draws us closer to Him. What we listen to should change us for the better. Our music should be full of the Holy Spirit and glorify Jesus Christ. For example, we can sing, write, play, record, and listen to the Book of Psalms, which is inspired by God.
Ask yourself who you want to be influenced by: God or the devil, good or evil, godly people or ungodly people, the world or the Word of God? Some people think that if a song doesn’t have violent or sexual themes, then it is okay. While it is true that songs about neutral themes don’t outwardly glorify the devil, they also don’t glorify God. Why would we want to waste our time on something that does not draw us closer to the Lord, but instead focuses our attention on the things of the world?
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Music was created by God and has great power. It will shape us- what we think, believe, do, and become. It affects our attitudes and emotions. It can even affect our physical wellbeing. When listening or singing or playing a song, ask yourself:
Is this edifying?
Does it line up with Philippians 4:8?
Will it make me closer to God or draw me away from Him?
As a person, will I be better or worse because of it?
Would this song be sung and played in Heaven?
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (KJV) emphasis mine
As we saw in Ephesians 5:19, our music and entertainment should edify God, falling into the category of a psalm, a hymn, or a spiritual song. Psalms are songs for and from God. Hymns are songs of praise to God, anthems of the church. They are sacred compositions to give Him glory. Spiritual songs involve singing in the spirit, songs given to us by Holy Spirit.
Everything musical that we partake of must line up with Scripture. Even the music artists that we listen to are important. They may be singing godly lyrics but they may be living ungodly lives. Check out their lifestyles. Use discernment. You can’t sing about God and live for the devil. That’s a compromised vessel, and they will produce music that does not carry the right spirit, even if the words seem to be godly. And the spirit attached to a person, whether good or evil, can gain access to our lives if we do not guard against it.
We must choose carefully what we listen to, sing, and play. Make sure it comes from God, is flowing through a godly vessel, and glorfies Him.
