For a while, I’ve been considering some of our popular Christian Radio hits. Most lyrics aren’t unbiblical, but there’s something that makes me a little…itchy… No, I’m not starting another tangent on rhythm & instrumentation. (At least not here.) This is about lyrical content that we’re consuming & sharing as Christian fare. “Hey We’re the Monkees” and such are exempt.
One of the scriptures that’s been coming to mind is Luke 10:17-20.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.10.17-20.NIV
And another, Jude 1:9
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
https://bible.com/bible/111/jud.1.9.NIV
While we are called to be overcomers, a growing amount of our music seems to be focused on us and our benefits above Him and His holiness.
I recognize there’s a reasonable difference between Holy, Holy, Holy and What a Friend or In The Garden. One is completely about worshipping and exalting Him while the others celebrate the relationship from our perspective. There’s plenty of room for both.
To be fair, or maybe just equally ouchy… there’s a lot of music that focuses on our home in Heaven. It’s a great thing to look forward to, certainly, but what enthralls us more? The home or the Host? If your friends get more excited about your property & decor than you – are they actually friends??
There is some unbiblical stuff sneaking in as well. Examine the lyrics – does it actually line up to scripture, or is it just catchy & popular? Examples include “God is watching us…from a distance” and the very melodic but way incorrect “Hallelujah.”
So as you hum, or jam out on, another Christian Radio song, give it a little more thought. Does it elevate Him, or us? Do we focus on His attributes or our benefits? Is it downright inaccurate?
It’s worth considering.