Ephesians 5:18-19 Music

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.

Let's not get hung up on the categorizing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. I'm sure musical historians can tell you the nuances and characteristic of each of these, but I really don't think that's the point.

The point, as I see it is variety and creativity in our worship of God. There are some churches that only sing the old hymns. If that's what they like, then that's great. There was a trend in the '70's and '80's to set the Psalms to music, and scripture songs were sung in church every service. A lot of modern churches sing contemporary songs in the church services, sometimes straight off the radio's Christian Top 40. That's also great. In a number of southern churches, you're going to hear country gospel.

God is creative, and He made us to be creative as well. The musicians in the Temple were held in an exalted position. They understood that God gave them the gift to create music and lead His people in worship.

Throughout the Bible, music is used as a part of worship and praise to God. It is also useful for teaching and uplifting the saints, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." [Colossians 3:16 NASB]

Music is a part of our lives, whether we are musically inclined or not. Chances are, there is a song running through your head right now. We seem to be wired for it.

The natural response to joy in your life is to sing. In James 5:13 we are told, "Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises."

We are told to speak or sing to each other. I don't imagine this means we are to live in a Rogers and Hammerstein musical where we break into song every time we have something important to say. (Well, apparently I can imagine it, but that's just me.) Actually, this clearly refers to communal singing.

The style of music may change over the centuries, but the essence remains the same. The people of God coming together to sing in praise and worship to Him.

We are also told to sing and make melodies in our hearts to God. I find that songs stick in my head very easily. I can walk into a grocery store for a loaf of bread. I will walk out with a loaf of bread and whatever song was playing running through my mind.

If I'm quick enough, I can head prevent that song from getting entrenched by singing a spiritual song to myself. If I'm going to have something rolling around in my brain, I would rather it be something that is uplifting and praiseworthy.

We are told, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." [Romans 12:2 NASB]

One aspect of that renewal is in the music we listen to and in what we sing in our hearts. Which do you think is more pleasing God, a song about wanting Jesse's girl, or a song about wanting more of Jesus in your life?

I'm not one of those people who think that all secular music is demon inspired or evil. I think God made us to be creative, and people will create music. If they don't have God in their lives, they will create secular music. Some will be dark and nasty, and some will be bright and cheerful, but none of it will be dedicated to pleasing God.

If a Christian musician is being led by the Spirit of God, he will create music that is pleasing to God, and uplifting to God's people. 

Years ago, I made the choice to listen to music that uplifts God, and exalts the name of Jesus. This day, I choose to let godly music be the song that is sung in my heart.