It's an oft repeated criticism. How can loud, raucous music glorify God? How can songs that do not even mention' God' bring glory to God?
We don't seem to come to the right answers because we don't ask the right questions. What does it mean to bring glory to God? I'm glad to say my perspectives on music as an instrument for God's glory have broadened over the years.
Our Lord is God of the church and also of the world. He calls out people to be His own, to be separate from the world, yet, He asks them to let their light shine while they are living in the world. We are called to be the salt and the light of the world. To permeate the world we live in, and slow its decay by being the salt and dispell the darkness by being the light; all the while retaining our identity as children of God and standing up for God's standards without compromise or shame.
Our heart breaks for what breaks His. We share His concern for the poor, the oppressed, the voiceless, for justice, for social reform. These are good fruits of the outworking of the gospel. So, it's wonderful and scriptural when a band or an artist speaks out on socio-political issues. What their songs reflect are their concerns for God's world. Some bands may have found their calling and fulfillment in songs with evangelistic themes. Some lean towards social action and reform. Either way, as Christians,we all are called to be witnesses, whatever our profession. When we recognise men as having an intrinsic worth because they are made in the image of God, it must reflect in our good works, in our works of art, in our sciences and in our songs. Yes, indeed, music offered up for glory!
We don't seem to come to the right answers because we don't ask the right questions. What does it mean to bring glory to God? I'm glad to say my perspectives on music as an instrument for God's glory have broadened over the years.
Our Lord is God of the church and also of the world. He calls out people to be His own, to be separate from the world, yet, He asks them to let their light shine while they are living in the world. We are called to be the salt and the light of the world. To permeate the world we live in, and slow its decay by being the salt and dispell the darkness by being the light; all the while retaining our identity as children of God and standing up for God's standards without compromise or shame.
Our heart breaks for what breaks His. We share His concern for the poor, the oppressed, the voiceless, for justice, for social reform. These are good fruits of the outworking of the gospel. So, it's wonderful and scriptural when a band or an artist speaks out on socio-political issues. What their songs reflect are their concerns for God's world. Some bands may have found their calling and fulfillment in songs with evangelistic themes. Some lean towards social action and reform. Either way, as Christians,we all are called to be witnesses, whatever our profession. When we recognise men as having an intrinsic worth because they are made in the image of God, it must reflect in our good works, in our works of art, in our sciences and in our songs. Yes, indeed, music offered up for glory!
1 comment:
I agree that we are called to be witnesses irrespective of our professions. But then even non christian bands offer us some really great music on social themes. In fact social rehabilitation is a recurring theme addressed in a lot of secular music. HOw do you differentiate between what's secular and watz christian then? Christ is the only difference i can think of. If he is not present then why should i listen to a band just cos they are christian and not to a secular one which might offer better music.
We are all called to be witnesses for christ. Everything else, social welfare, etc, should be a byproduct or fruit of that. We share his concern cos we are like him
and not the other way round
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