Fast forward to after accepting Christ into my heart, shortly after high school graduation. My love for music continued, except now I was learning hymns as well as songs of the Jesus Revolution. Names like Andrae Crouch, Love Song, and Nancy Honeytree. were gaining popularity among Jesus people. Music that was pretty upbeat, with messages of encouragement, although not always evangelically true.

Because of who some people were, their music became popular. if those persons wrote 2 or 3 songs lining up with Scripture, the next song might escape the scrutiny of the first few. I’ve said for years now, never base your theology on the words of your favorite composer. Since faith comes by hearing the Word of God, doubt comes by hearing something outside of the New Testament. Measure everything by God’s Word.

Times haven’t changed. So much music in church services today falls into the same situation: pretty music with poison words. The devil, who was once in charge of praise and worship before God’s throne, is an intelligent enemy. He knows that pretty music wrapped around toxic words and phrases can easily catch peoples’ attention. The pretty music is a vehicle carrying deadly cargo, something to be guarded against.

Just having some catchy chords has hooked many a believer over the years, including myself. More than once I’ve had to stop listening to a certain song, due to the wrong words-even when the music appealed. Saying that there’s nothing good in us can’t be backed by New Testament teaching that says that, as believers, we have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit living in us. That’s GOOD NEWS!

That’s why I so appreciate the music of David Ingles, who has written dozens of songs which are all thoroughly scriptural, with chords and notes which stay with the listener. At times, I’ll hear one of David’s many songs on the inside, giving God’s answer for something I’m facing. Thank God for good music.

The next time you’re hearing pretty music, listen to the words. Do they line up with the Bible, or are they just someone’s opinion? Do they encourage you, lift you, or are they pulling you down? If the words aren’t in line with the New Covenant, consider turning the music off and doing your own singing to the Lord.

Perhaps some may think I’m being nit-picky about the type of music we should listen to and, perhaps, I am. I do know that some of the rock music of the 60s contributed to the breakup of my family. More so from the words than the music for, as I stated in my previous offering, some of the 60s rock and roll became easy listening music of the 90s.. Apparently the words mattered more than the music.

Pick your music carefully. Hear what’s being sung, lining them up with the New Testament. If a song just “grabs” your attention, though not lined up with the Bible, you’ll have to make your own decision as to whether you continue to hear that particular song. And musicians, realize that words matter, especially when “carried” in a pretty musical format. If God has gifted you in this manner, guard that gift with your heart. Consider changing words to line up with the New Testament. You can do this. Ask God; He’ll show you what to do.

Because knowledge is progressive, we should know more than those of even 50 years ago. Love is a choice, not a feeling. Faith is an act, not a feeling. So let’s overlook old revelation. In other words, have as much sense as a cow eating hay: eat the hay, leaving the sticks. And be blessed as a result.