Music. Can You Handle The Truth About It?

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

Music. Can You Handle The Truth About It?

Of all the articles I have written, this one might garner the ire of more Christians than any. Let me start by talking about the amazing attributes of music in general. Music has the ability to change our mood, to give us comfort, to hype us up, to cause fear, and reduce anxiety. It can influence behavior. It can help you memorize things more easily. It can make you forget about where you are or what you were doing. How this happens is not completely known and that should be no surprise to us because music and the ability to use it for good, is a gift from God. Music is truly amazing.

But just like every other good thing the Lord has provided for us, there is a being known as the destroyer, or the devil, who is roaming about this world looking to pervert every good thing from God and turn it into something that will bring all kinds of harm to people. We learn from Ephesians 6 that this devil is wily. He is sneaky and crafty and devious and hardworking, and some of the things that he does in the world are barely noticed by Christians. Therefore, Christians leave their minds and hearts unguarded against his devices. There is no question in my mind that music is one of those gifts from God the devil is using against us.

In this particular tool of the devil, we only need to go back to the Garden to see how he works. There, Adam and Eve are using the gift of words to communicate with God in perfect harmony. The devil does not come up with a new way to communicate with Adam and Eve but uses the same means to tempt Eve to eat from the forbidden tree. He takes God’s word and perverts it to fool Eve. Fast forward to today and nothing has changed. In Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17:17, he prays that his Father would sanctify us by the truth using His word. It is through God’s word that we grow in our faith and think and act more like Jesus Christ. This is a critical component for the Christian life as God has determined that his Spirit will use the power of his truth to change us.

The words of God’s truth are communicated to our souls through the reading of His word, listening to His word through recordings of the Bible, preaching and teaching, or through singing or listening to music. We find singing throughout the Old Testament during times of worship and thanksgiving, as well as times of fear and tribulation. One of the most revered books in the Bible, the book of Psalms, is a book of songs. The apostle Paul knew this well and during his time in jail, we read that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Additionally, Paul wrote to the Ephesian church and Colossian church, and instructed them to, “address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart (Ephesians 5:19) and to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Col. 3:16).” We also know from the Book of Revelation that there will be singing before the throne (Rev. 14:3). Note: all of these songs are filled with words that build up the heart and mind of the believer or put another way, sanctify us in the truth.

But what are we filling our minds with? Are the words of our songs pleasing to God or is it of this world? Let me quote John Piper on this point: “There is such a thing as worldly music. One of the marks of worldly music is the exultation in a worldly view of life. A worldly view of life is a life that leaves Christ out and approves of what he disapproves. That is worldly. Worldly isn’t a sound; worldly is leaving Christ out. That is why it is called worldly and not Christly. And it approves of what he disapproves. It is called worldly because it treasures the world above the one who made the world. It revels in the very self-centeredness that gives rise to the miseries of the world.”

OK, let me stop right here to say something because I know there will be some who listen to this and look for any small exception in order to dismiss my entire point. I know because that’s what I do when my flesh doesn’t want to hear truth that convicts me to change. So, when I’m talking about worldly music, I’m not talking about every piece of music and every song that doesn’t specifically mention God or Christ. There are probably a million songs that have been written about many wonderful and beautiful things in life that reflect God’s creation or His general good to all people. In that same way, I am also not talking about the incredibly beautiful music that has been written through the years that doesn’t have lyrics.

I am talking about the never ending production of songs and lyrics that convey an unbiblical view of relationships, portray fornication as normal, ultimate happiness through anything but Jesus, divorce as indifferent, materialism as essential, authority as something to be ignored, perverted sexuality, the abuse of women, manipulation of people, racism, power through violence, and self as being the number one thing every human being should be most concerned about. And that’s the short list. This is the work of the devil using words to train our brains to think in all sorts of godless ways.

And your response to that is, songs don’t affect me in that way? If you believe that, you have an argument with God himself who put the following in our Bibles because He believes it does matter. He commands that we pay attention to every thought and deed for which we will give an account. Listen to God powerfully speak to us in the following-

Romans 12:3: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 5:8: Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Colossians 3:1-2: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Of course, these commands are not relegated to one part of our week but is to be the mind of the Christian 24/7. Also, God does not want a part of our mind and heart, he wants all of it. There is no part of our lives that he is not sovereign over and expects we would be willing to walk away from anything that he hates. In fact, Jesus has purchased us for His Father with His precious blood. We are no longer slaves to anything sinful but now we are slaves to righteousness.

How hard is it for Christians to walk away from their love for secular music? It’s incredibly hard to do. Why?  Because our hearts have been trained to love it for decades. For most of us, secular music is not something we sought out on our own. Many of us were introduced to it by our parents or the culture we grew up in and were never warned about the danger. It took hold of us and became part of our psyche. But that doesn’t mean God will give us a “pass” on this part of our lives. Anything that God hates, we must hate and if we don’t we should be concerned for our souls. John Piper had an interesting question which I’ll share here: “The issue is whether we are at home in enjoying ourselves with the way the world thinks. Let me say that again: The issue is whether we are at home in enjoying ourselves with the way the world thinks.”

Which leads me into some thoughts about our children. For the sake of the hearts and minds of our children, would you be willing to do for them what nobody did for you? Or, maybe a different incentive to change would be helpful- if you want to lessen the chances of you having misery during your child rearing years, would you be willing to deal with the issue of ungodly music? In other words, you have an opportunity set before you to stop the kind of training of your child’s mind that would lead him or her to think being a rebel in your home is cool, or that life has no answers and is just a ball of confusion, or you are crazy and should be ignored when you want them to think about boy/girl relationships in a Biblical way, or their lives are ruled by emotion.

Remember, there is a destroyer, and he wants to bring misery to your family; he wants to snatch the truth out of their minds and replace it with godless thoughts. This is the battle. Tell your children today that you have become convicted of the need to protect your mind and theirs against ungodly thoughts by eradicating the love of worldly music. I know- it’s going to be hard, but the blessings of walking in obedience to God will be so much greater. This is raising children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians6:4).

Thanks for listening, see you next time.

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT: 

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

“Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ?” Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Christian Behavior, written by John Bunyan. This is a wonderful fairly short book written by the great John Bunyan to help Christians understand that their lives should be full of good works! Bunyan takes us to Titus 3:7-8 and brings practical application to all areas of the Christian life. You will be blessed by this great saint!

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-christian-behavior-by/id1716196912

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjUQ_MpGbnqwrBVi7TgRKi3

Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description:  Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

A Call To Prayer By J. C. Ryle.  Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id167288080

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

YouTube: Not on YouTube just yet.

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Last modified: February 23, 2024