MAY 27

Philippians 4:8
Memorise Isaiah 45:5
“I am the LORD and there is none else…”

When it comes to the very contentious matter of Christians listening to secular music, it helps to put forth the issues clearly for careful consideration. These would be (1) Is secular music inherently sinful or harmful? (2) How is secular music different from hymns? (3) Is it ever right to listen to secular music? Let us answer these questions one by one:

(1) Anything that leads towards ungodliness should be avoided. Much of the secular music that is available does this to people. The lyrics may promote rebelliousness, premarital sex, lust, drug use, crime or violence. Even the quality or style of the music itself can take on a life of its own and stir up carnal feelings from within. In such instances, secular music is indeed harmful and enjoying this is a sin. (2) Hymns, on the other hand, work in the opposite way. The lyrics glorify God and still our spirit, making it conducive for fellowship with God. Some hymns are more “militant” in nature. They encourage us to reverence God, serve Him fervently and resist evil. (3) While secular music is not inherently evil, the problem often lies in its lyrics and style. Of course, not all secular music is bad and there are some songs that sing about wholesome virtues such as love, friendship, peace and faithfulness.

Note also that just because a song is wholesome does not make it appropriate for worship. Liberal Christians who love worldly music too much have a tendency to get confused over this issue and use secular-style music in places of worship. The so-called Contemporary “Christian” Music may not always have carnal lyrics, but their sentimental nature makes them more suited as love songs to one’s spouse rather than to God reverentially. The words of the songs must also be theologically sound to be appropriate for worship. Philippians 4:8 serves to guide us on this matter, and any form of music that runs contrary to this passage must be rejected. Moreover, Isaiah 45:5 says that there is no other entity like God who is unique in His holy perfection. Any form of worship that does not reflect a sense of deep reverential fear is not God honouring.

Thought: We should not sing unto our awesome God the way we might sing to our spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends.
Prayer: O Lord, grant us much wisdom in the enjoyment of music that we do not sin against Thee in doing so.