Music 01- Music out of Balance

The age of electronics has resulted in most, if not all, of us having grown up in a culture saturated with music of all kinds. Most of us are more accustomed to electronically reproduced versions of the music we listen too. There is an abundance in both the variety and number of music groups, genre, styles and motives available for one to listen too all day and all night if one chooses. Gone are the days when if you wanted to listen to music you had to go to a concert, a church service, or listen to your family and/or your friends sing around the piano or strike up a tune acapella. Most of us enjoy this availability of music. But we must be careful that we do not allow ourselves to be brought under its power.
Remember what the Apostle Paul said, “All things are lawful unto me but all things are not expedient (helpful): all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” A few chapters latter he repeats the first part, but changes the second to say, “all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” 1 Cor. 6:12, and 10:23. As Christians we must be cautious in all areas, but especially in music, that we listen to and sing music that – 1. Is helpful to our spiritual growth. 2. Does not dominate or addict us to it. 3. Edifies or builds us up.
Do not make the mistake of assuming that music is not capable of being a serious hindrance to your spiritual well-being. Do not make the mistake in thinking the music you listen to is morally neutral, and that as long as the words aren’t immoral its not bad for you to listen to, or sing, and that the church should incorporate it into the services. Do not make the mistake in assuming all, or even some, recording artists have pure motives. Do not assume that those who do seem to have pure motives are pleasing the Lord with their style of music. Misleading information abounds as to the nature of godly music. Much division in Christian circles and once unified churches has resulted from this misinformation and carelessness.
Logic should tell us that not all music is good for us. First, because even the most carnal of us would draw a line somewhere as to what is good or bad music. Second, since man is fallen and tends to corrupt all that is good, it is logical that man has corrupted music and that he is likely to both produce evil music and to find pleasure in evil music. Third, because there is a real devil, and a spiritual war is raging, it is logical that the devil, a musician in his own right (Ezek. 28:13), would skillfully and subtly use music to accomplish his purposes.
There was a time, not too long ago, when music was not so corrupted as it is today. Those born before or near the early 1950s have seen first hand the devolution of music. Sadly, many of that generation were the leaders in corrupting music along with all the other arts. My plea is that you will read prayerfully these articles on music.

-Jerry Hanson