Music

Does the type of music you listen to really matter? Is it truly “just a song”, or is there a deeper meaning behind it?

Hey GEM girls! As it turns out, music isn’t really just music. Throughout history, music has been a form of worship. From the time of the Israelites to the time of Solomon’s temple and the surrounding nations, there are many instances pointing to the fact that music and worship were closely intertwined in religion, whether the people were worshipping God or not.

In heaven, Lucifer (Satan) was the worship leader in heaven. “Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had raised the first note; then all the angelic host had united with him, and glorious strains of music had resounded through heaven in honor of God and His dear Son. But now, instead of strains of sweetest music, discord and angry words fall upon the ear of the great rebel leader. Where is he? Is it not all a horrible dream? Is he shut out of heaven? Are the gates of heaven never more to open to admit him? The hour of worship draws nigh, when bright and holy angels bow before the Father. No more will he unite in heavenly song. No more will he bow in reverence and holy awe before the presence of the eternal God.” (The Story of Redemption, 25.1). After he rebelled against God, he and the angels that followed him were cast out of heaven to the earth. However, God never took away his powers. Satan still has the gift of music. Don’t you think he would now use this gift to influence people to turn away from God?

So here’s the bottom line. There are two groups: Jesus and His followers, and Satan and his followers. If the song doesn’t glorify God or follow the guidelines in Philippians 4:8, then it automatically glorifies Satan.

I know the melodies, lyrics, and beats of popular and secular songs can be catchy and quite addictive, but music has a greater impact on our brains than we realize. For more information on this topic, Dr. Neil Nedley talks about a study on music and the brain and you can read about it here (https://www.stepstolife.org/article/health-music-frontal-lobe/#:~:text=Depending%20on%20the%20type%20of,and%20make%20judgments%20about%20it. )

Even Ellen White had great insight into the power of music. “ I feel alarmed as I witness everywhere the frivolity of young men and young women who profess to believe the truth. God does not seem to be in their thoughts. Their minds are filled with nonsense. Their conversation is only empty, vain talk. They have a keen ear for music, and Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired. The spiritual longing of the soul for divine knowledge, for growth in grace, are wanting.” (The Voice in Speech and Song 419.1).

She goes on to say, “They [ many professed Christians] know not the language of heaven and are not educating their minds so as to be prepared to sing the songs of heaven or to delight in the spiritual exercises which will there engage the attention of all.” ( Testimonies to the Church 2.265)

So, if most of the music in this world is bad, what can we listen to? Even some so-called “Christian” songs are not what we should be filling our minds with. If we are listening to a Christian song, and our focus is more on the beat, rhythm, and melody of the song rather than the words, then it is probably not ushering in a worshipful atmosphere. Some Christ-centered artists I recommend are Charity Gayle, Matthew West, Sounds Like Reign, Danny Gokey, and Chris Tomlin. As with anything, prayer and discernment will help you determine what songs will lead you closer to Christ.

So GEM girls, how has your relationship been with music? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO,

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