So I published this note on my Facebook page ( Facebook.com/ChrisloveCGO ) on May 24th, 2016, which comes before I created this website. But this topic is far more relevant now than ever before. This is why I am sharing it here so you all understand my viewpoint and share your views too.
Music is a very powerful tool to reach out to the world. The devil himself was a gifted musician before pride made him fall. He was created with the necessary musical instruments, which means that he doesn’t have to learn it: in-built (Ezekiel 28:13). So he knows and understands the power of music. That’s why he has infiltrated the music industry with people, lyrics, and beats that glorify and are glorifying him.
Music is a language that transcends languages, a culture that transcends cultures and a unique tool with inter-generational impact.
It can be used to revolutionize people’s thoughts, beliefs, perspectives, and actions. Music can be used as a tool to tell personal stories, experiences or convey messages. Music never dies. It remains even after the musician is dead and far gone. That is why as Christians, we cannot afford to leave the music industry to the people of the world. We have to go into music, make great songs of inspiration, hope, faith, and return the gift of music to the originally intended purpose (to glorify God).
I will advise that Christians be involved in all genres of music in order to make the full impact. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Christians doing Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Spoken words, contemporary songs, etc. The issue is with the PURPOSE, the MESSAGE, and the GLORY. You need to ask yourself why I’m I doing this? What do I want people to learn from it? And who will this piece glorify?
These are some of the guidelines for our works, our services and our ministries as Christians (1 Corinthians 4:5). The goal is to encourage, inspire and strengthen the brethren in our journey towards the final destination (heaven), to praise God for His faithfulness, and to minister the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ to the lost souls. This means that ultimately, the glory belongs to Jesus Christ. The songs – lyrics and melodies should be written, composed and sung in ways and manners that glorify God.
The essence of music becomes defeated whenever it is targeted at glorifying anyone or thing other than the Almighty God.
It also implies that the targeted audience for a particular song or genre of music will vary depending on the purpose and message the song is conveying. That is, there are songs written and composed by Christians that are meant for the Church (body of believers) – in which case I would refer to as WORSHIP/PRAISE SONGS. Praise/Worship because the people already know and are familiar (usually in love) with Who you’re talking about (God). In this case, everyone has a background knowledge of what you’re singing and are able to flow freely.
There are also songs that are written and composed by Christians but are meant to be used to minister to unbelievers – these are MISSIONARY SONGS. These are a little different from the Worship/Praise Songs because you’re introducing something (Someone – Jesus Christ) new to the audience. One of the most effective ways of doing this kind of songs is sharing your testimonies or experiences (of how He helped or is helping you) in language that is easily understandable to the targeted audience (1 Corinthians 9:20-22 – “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews;… I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some“). You need to be very sensitive and careful so that you don’t end up being influenced in your attempt to “speak their language”. Do not compromise or lower the standard of excellence and godliness in the process.
A Church that restricts its members from going into say, Hip-hop music, will be very ineffective in reaching out to this generation. And will most likely breed a congregation of hypocrites – who will listen to “their kind of song” in the church but listen to different songs when outside the church. Creating “church playlist” and “non-church playlist”. This double-standard-life causes more harm and ultimately slows down the work of God. The more diverse and engaging we are in our writings and music, the wider our ability to purposefully reach out to this generation.
In conclusion, Christians should write songs that edify people and ultimately glorify God irrespective of the genre or categorization.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING OUT TIME TO READ.
PLEASE SHARE TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE AND DONT FORGET TO WRITE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!
TILL NEXT NOTE: JESUS BLESS!
CHRISTIAN G. OKWUDIWA
#ChrisloveCGO #JesusIsLord
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