The Sound of Music

"People’s greatest need is for Christ, not another Christian band. Music is just a form of how we have been equipped to get the Gospel out to the lost who do not know [the] saving grace of God." ~Stephen Cobucci of “Wolves at the Gate” (Band)

What do you think music is? Should be? Was intended for? There are several ways music can be taken by the artist, (assuming we are talking about Christian musicians). They could 1) make their music into a career without feeling the need to incorporate anything "Christian" into their lyrics, 2) make music for themselves that is pleasurable to the human ear and may or may not include Christian values/messages within the lyrics, 3) make music that is intended to please God (worship) and not to make any profit on it except whatever they are blessed with by the works of their hands, or 4) make music that specifically reaches out to the listener by incorporating messages of hope and the gospel into the lyrics.

As a quick sidestep, let's look at how God views music. Some seem to think that God benefits from all music that is in someway uplifting, though I can't say I agree:

"I think the main problem is that people think you have to be all ” Glory, glory. Praise Jesus” in your music, or it isn’t christian. I believe, since we are all created in the image of God, that even non-Christians can glorify God, even if it is unknowingly. Take for example, a non-christian composing a beautiful piece of music. He does it for himself, but the only reason he can create it is because he was made in the image of God, and God knows that. God receives glory from it, even though it was done unknowingly by the composer." ~Unnamed band discussion contributor

In Romans 8:28, Paul says that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV)." This means that God can use even music that does not relate directly to him, but it doesn't mean he takes glory from it directly. In Romans 11:36, he says "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen (NIV)." This notes that there is nothing that God does not control, because if there was something that was not of him, that he did not make and own, then he might owe us something, and that isn't possible. These things being to his glory at the end of the verse shows how he takes glory in all that he has made, though it doesn't mean he is pleased with the choices we make or takes glory in all our decisions. I think that God is glorified by our intentionality toward worship, music or not, and that he doesn't benefit at all from those who don't acknowledge him.

As for the way Christian musicians should be approaching their music, I think that everything we do boils down to the convictions of our hearts. If we are in tune with God, then he will be constantly moving us to change the areas of our lives that could be improved to the betterment of his kingdom. Maybe that doesn't look like creating worship music and having to find a separate job for support, but money should never be an obstacle for us as we strive to go wherever God has called us. At the very least, we are called to, in all things, be a light to others, so whenever we see a musician who doesn't take their music (as just one aspect of their lives) seriously in promoting their faith, they really have no excuse and most likely aren't in a continual, growing relationship with God.

Feel free to add any thoughts or corrections below!