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[Thinker]

I hadn't planned to do another article on music. However, I've had some thoughtful and interesting responses, some of which I felt should be addressed. Hence, the P.S. I'll start with the one area I'd like to address for sure and add a little more, if space permits. I'm thinking of different tastes in music. For example, young people like their own type of music as do older people. So, allowing for different musical tastes and styles, are there guidelines to separate the wheat from the chaff? I suggest that there are. First, are we willing to subordinate our preference for a certain type of music to God's will? We might not have to give up music that we like but the question is: "Are we willing to, if He asks it of us?" Second, Does the music and the message honor and glorify God? One type of music that we might use to illustrate is Southern Gospel. Some folk really enjoy it. Others do not care for it much, if at all. Still others detest it. It seems that the problem is in the individual songs and styles. Does the music move the body more than the message impacts the heart and mind? Is the message truly Biblical? Even some of the good old hymns aren't always completely Scriptural. Some Southern gospel (as well as other types) is shallow and offers little content worthy of spending time on. Some move the heart and mind Godward and give expression to things we want to say but can't find words to do so. However, what about "secular" music? Good, wholesome, uplifting music of any type is a gift of God. If it creates gratitude to God for great music and doesn't compromise Biblical standards, then it's worthwhile. What about soft music? Romantic music, lullabies, soothing music have a place. Cheerful or fun music has a place as does stirring and uplifting music, even great instrumentation, just so long as these do not undermine or violate God's Word and standards of morality. Selah! Whatever your taste in music, analyze it under the holy light of the Bible and if it stands the test, enjoy it and thank God for it. Just be honest and thorough in your evaluation. Thinker (Ron)


"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).