Worship Music - What It Should, and Shouldn't Be

I found this article online, about how we shouldn't listen to Christian Rock. It has some good points, but overall, I disagreed with it. For this post, I collaborated with my cousin, Tiffany. We're a little random, and sometimes we don't need to finish a thought, especially if we both agree, so I'll try to make it less disjointed in places. Here is what we discussed:

GCW: In the article, they used secular examples instead of Christian rock. If they're doing that, of course they're gonna find something wrong with the songs. You have to look at the lyrics, song-by-song.

Tiffany: I think a lot of it has to do with where your heart is. Why are you listening to it? If you’re doing it to get as close to the line as you can, there’s something wrong there.

GCW: So, if you’re doing it to worship the Lord, and you ARE worshiping him through the song, with its lyrics and your attitude, then it’s okay.

But Satan will use music to try to influence us.

Tiffany: Lucifer was the music leader. Music is a very influential tool that he knows how to use in order to get you to fall away.

In the article, they say “Music has two purposes: 1) to worship and glorify God; 2) To edify and build up Christians.”

Tiffany: I agree, but not. It also depends on how you’re raised. And is that your belief, or the beliefs of those who raised you?

Subliminal messaging is also a big part of songs. Be aware of the songs you listen to, and the messages they send.

GCW: These days, I prefer to listen to worship music, but I still enjoy listening to some secular music. Some of it is rock. But I am much more aware now of the messages they send, and what message I send to other people by liking the songs.

Tiffany: I like to take secular songs and give them a Christian meaning. Like “Bleeding Love.” There’s a worship video about Christ and his bride, that uses that song. It’s taking back the songs from the devil, and using them for God’s glory.

"ARGUMENT #1 Christian rock can't be wrong. Look at all the people who go forward at the concerts. Look at how popular God has made these bands."

GCW: Well, if your main reason for using this type of music is to draw people out to hear you, then you aren't doing it right. But if you like this type of music, and you are using it to glorify God, to…take the music back, then it’s okay.

Be aware of the people around you, and how they might react to certain songs. If the song speaks to and builds you up in God, you can listen to it later on your own.

Tiffany: If you feel like someone you’re with…like it will cause them to sin, then put on some non-rock Christian music.

So, overall, we agreed that Christian rock is not Satan's tool, as long as Christians are using it to glorify God. Even some secular songs (not just rock songs) can be used for God's glory. It depends on our hearts, intent, and purpose. If we go into anything with the wrong mindset, we can become Satan's tool. We have to always be aware of how our actions look to God, and then the message we're sending to others. If our hearts are in the right place, and we are truly serving God in everything we do, people will be able to see that.

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"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).