On Being Berean, Part 2

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about discernment, "On Being Berean." I was specifically referring to--in that post--being discerning when listening to sermons. But discernment isn't only called for in preaching and teaching. It's also appropriate when it comes to music.

I think it is completely fair to say that plenty of people get a special thrill--a high--off of hating on Christian music, of hating Christian worship music in particular.

Zeal is not wrong. But you can be overzealous. Discerning the reasons WHY you feel the way you do are crucial in distinguishing between objective concerns and subjective preferences.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Points to consider:

• Is a song biblical? 
• does it directly, expressly use Scripture?
• does it indirectly express Scriptural principles? 
• how does it use Scripture? does it twist or distort? or does it correctly interpret Scripture?
• Is it clearly about God? Or is it vaguely about God? Could the song do double duty? Could it just as easily be about God, cheeseburgers, your child, or your significant other? 
• Is it best suited for church or home? 
• Is the song thought-provoking? Does the song awake in you a love for God, an awareness of your need for God? Does it spur you to action? 

The points I listed above, should, I believe, get high priority. The points below often get greater priority--whether its warranted or not:

• does it use the word "I" or "me"
• does it use big words to describe who God is and what he has done?
• is it repetitive?
• do I like the melody?
• is it manipulatively catchy so that you couldn't get it out of your head if you tried?
• is it the "It's A Small, Small World" of Christian music?
• has it been covered by twelve different Christian artists?
• does it get played on the radio more than five times a day?
• does it use more than one musical instrument?
• was it written by Chris Tomlin
• was it written at least fifty to seventy-five years ago?
• can I find it in a hymnal?
• is it over four minutes long?

I would encourage every believer to LISTEN to the lyrics before they reject a song. Not just to listen to them, but to read them as you listen to them. Treat the lyrics to the song as you would a sermon, book, or article. Examine what is being said and perhaps what is not being said. Test them against Scripture. Hold onto what is good. Reject what is evil. Worship leaders can and should make distinctions between: okay, good, great, and excellent. The music played in our churches each week is, of course, limited. So there should be some standards--some would argue HIGH standards in place.

I would love to review individual songs in the days, weeks, months ahead and see if they pass the Berean test.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible