Biblical Music for the Mind and Heart

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. – Philippians 4:8 ESV

 Have you ever had an “earworm”? I’m not referring to an infectious disease, but to a song you hear repeatedly in your mind. They can be annoying or they can be inspiring. An annoying earworm is a common ailment of VBS workers immediately after a week of catchy children’s tunes. Other songs can be so inspiring that you hide them deep in your heart and often bring them back to mind. These experiences both demonstrate the powerful effect music has on us.

I’m writing this article on July 28, which is the anniversary date of the young Christian musician Keith Green being killed in a plane crash and stepping into the presence of his Lord. That was 44 years ago. Then I was only 21 years old. His music was used powerfully by God to call me into pastoral ministry and shape me spiritually. It had the same life-changing impact on many others of my generation. So, throughout this day, I’ve had his songs on my mind. Even after so many years, they’re still used by God to inspire me.

The point is that the Lord works through Biblical music to mold and shape our lives. The Christian songs we sing in church, at home, in the car, or wherever else it may be, deeply affect our walk with Jesus. There are three good questions to ask about the sacred music we sing and hear today.

First, does the music communicate Biblical truth? Does it describe the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man? Too often songs that are labeled “Christian” don’t touch on either subject. Here’s an example of song lyrics that do.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide thee,

Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see.

Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity. – Regnald Heber, 1823

Second, does the music clearly and specifically exalt the person and work of Jesus Christ? Many times, it’s hard to understand if a song is about a romantic partner or about one’s love for Jesus. The words and meaning are horribly vague. Here’s an example, however, of lyrics that are clearly and specifically about the Lord.

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven

The future sure, the price it has been paid

For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon

And He was raised to overthrow the grave.

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated

Jesus now and ever is my plea

Oh, the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!

Yet not I, but through Christ in me. – City Alight, 2018

Third, is the music merely sentimental, or is it also challenging?  Biblical truth at times will make a person feel good, but at other times it will convict and compel a person toward greater godliness. Here’s an example of music that does the latter.

The end of all my prayers is to care like my Lord cares

My one and only goal, His image in my soul

Yes, my weakness is revealed but by His stripes, I'm healed

He's faithful and He's true, to complete the work He begins in you.

“I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus

I want to, oh I need to, be more like Him.” – Keith Green, 1980.

Biblical music is a powerful tool for evangelism and sanctification. Did you notice in the examples given above that there were a variety of dates on the lyrics? Godly Christian music doesn’t get outdated. It can be old or it can be new. The power is not in the traditional or contemporary style of the arrangement, but in the timeless Biblical truth it conveys.

So, are you making good use of this powerful tool with which God has provided you? Are you instilling God’s word in your heart and mind? Are you influencing your family members and friends to do the same? The Apostle Paul says, 

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. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:16-17 ESV.

With a shepherd’s heart,

Pastor David