How do we decide what kind of music we should allow in our churches, in our cars and in our homes? Do we simply make our decision based on personal preference? The Bible has a lot to say about music, but it does not tell us exactly what we can listen to. However, we do have several Biblical principles by which we can judge our music. This also works for many other grey areas in our daily lives. I love music, but I want to love my Saviour first of all. Let’s consider four principles given in a message called “Biblical Principles of Godly Music” by evangelist Mark Rogers.
- It should glorify God (1Cor.10:31). If the spirit of the music is man-centered and If it goes against the the general spirit and guidelines of pure Biblical truth, it does not glorify God. Why was the music produced? To make money! To fulfill the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life? Does the music make you think, “What a great singer or what a great God?”
- It should direct our lives towards godliness (Phil. 4:8). If the music leads your heart towards ungodly things, you shouldn’t listen to it.
- It should reflect the new man, created in Christ Jesus, rather than the old man (2 Cor. 5:17). But, If you haven’t taken the first two to heart, you don’t care about that.
- Clean does not make unclean clean. The unlean makes the clean dirty (Hag. 2:11).
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