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The Value of Christian Music
Deuteronomy 31:19
"Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel."
The power of music on one's life is amazing. Studies have shown that you can control crowds through music. Music is powerful because God created mankind with the need for the right kind of music. Music is so important to God that He created angels for the purpose of singing in Heaven. The Devil also knows the power of music. That is why he has tried to corrupt music by providing his own style of music. However, when you study the Scriptures, you will find that God wanted His people to listen to the right music. Though music is one of those topics where preference often defines what is right and wrong, the Scriptures do give us clear guidelines on the value of good music.
First, music teaches. In the verse above, God shows that it teaches when He says, "...and teach it..." All music will teach you to do something. That is why it is important that the music you listen to teaches you the ways of Christ. God used the song of Moses to teach the children of Israel what way they should walk. You need to make sure that your music teaches you the ways of Christ. This is why the world's music is wrong because it doesn't teach you the way of Christ, but rather it teaches you the way of the world. Music is valuable because it teaches you. So, be careful to listen to music that will teach you the right way.
Second, music reminds. In Deuteronomy 31:21 it says about music, "...that this song shall testify against them as a witness;..." The word "testify" is talking about reminding God's people. Your music should not only teach you the right way to live, but it should also remind you to live right. Whenever you listen to your music, does it immediately remind you of God, or does it remind you of something you did in the world? Music is a great tool to help people remember the right ways of living, so be sure that your music reminds you of God's way.
Third, music witnesses. In the verse above, you see that the music of the children of Israel was to be a witness. In other words, your music should tell others to Whom you belong. Let me ask you, when others overhear your music, can they tell you are a Christian by the songs you listen to? You may think it's nobody's business what type of music you listen to, but whether or not you like it your music should testify to others that you are a Christian.
Last, music convicts. Good music will convict the backslidden Christian about their backslidden ways. That is why most of the contemporary Christian music is wrong. It wouldn't convict people of their worldly lifestyles because it sounds like the world. If you are living wrong, your music should convict you.
Music is a valuable tool. Be sure that you listen to the type of music that teaches and reminds you of the right way, the type of music that is a witness to others that you are a Christian, and the type of music that will convict you if you are living wrong. If your music does this for you, then you can rest assured that you are listening to the right music.