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Jesus said that we should rejoice because he has overcome the world. He also tells us that by our faith we overcome the world. So, does this mean that by faith Christian bands called to serve Jesus in Christian music should crossover into the mainstream music scene? Here are some of the arguments in favor of this practice: We can reach more people with the gospel in the secular music market. People who would not hear the gospel message in a Christian concert would listen to it in a bar or some other secular setting. Jesus has called us to be in the world not a part of it.
Yes, Jesus has called us to be in the world but he did not say to be a part of it. Romans 12:1-2“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The key points in this verse point against Christian Bands crossing over into secular music. The Lord tells us here to offer our bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God. This is our spiritual act of worship to remain true to the call of staying in Christian music not to crossover into the secular field. Our minds need to be transformed by God’s Word and this cannot happen when Christian artists switch over into the worldly system of music.
The artists are conforming to the pattern of this world when they write Christian lyrics and set them to music and then release them into the non-Christian market. The songs are no different than the other myriad of songs that are flooding that market on a daily basis. Sure they have faith based lyrics but they lose their anointing and power when they are set in the mainstream environment.
The verse in Romans states “this is your true and proper worship” true and proper worship is what pleases God not false and improper worship which falls under the category of crossing over from Christian Music into mainstream music. The call of God is irrevocable and when a Christian Band crosses over from their true call in Christian Music to perform in the mainstream market this is revoking the call of God on their lives.
There is one scripture that came to mind when reading this article. Actually it’s an entire chapter in Psalm, but it’s short: Psalm 150:
“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
Joel,
I believe the psalm says it all.
The original purpose of music in the Old Testament was to praise God. God designed it that way. Any musical group or person who crosses over, must bring the “cross” over. Also it must be with spoken word as well. For many people, a Christian song is just another song. Take the hymn “Amazing Grace” for example. People who are not even Christians sing this song without any realization of what it means. To reach more people, like in secular audiences, the music must be combined with a personal testimony, a story behind the song, or some other verbal communication of the message of salvation.
Personally I think it is not right for a Christian band to cross over into
the secular market. The cross can be displayed in the christian genre.Once God calls a band to a Christian ministry in music they should stay with that call
Christian artists, whatever the kind, are given their gift by God. Each of us are called to serve Him. If we truly desire to honor God with the gifts that He’s given us, are we not to ‘GO’. Go into the world to reach the lost for Jesus Christ. Who among us can see the heart of another? The motivations of the heart cannot be hidden from our Lord. He knows who among us are seeking self enrichment and who are seeking to reach the lost. He is all powerful. He can and will use anyone, any gift, anywhere, at any time – for His divine purpose.
Every person does not receive the same blessing from one type of music. (The Lord sent me this message loud and clear one morning in church) After enduring a rather twangy rendition of a song I hadn’t heard, and didn’t particularly care for, a member stood up and said, ‘Now THAT’S the kind of songs we need to hear.’
Right then the Lord convicted me,’It’s not all about you.’ My blessing came not in the music but in her appreciation of it. My blessing came through her testimony.
Music honors God when it us sung for His glory.
May He be glorified in the church, in the world, in the Christian market as well as the secular market.
Well said, Melinda. I am reminded how I used to say, with authority (because I don’t know everything, I just think I do), that hymns are fine for some people, but they just don’t minister to me. Then one morning before Sunday School, one of our ladies had a video from the Gaither Chapel playing. The people were singing hymns, but they were raising their hands and WORSHIPING God! And I was moved. God is gentle with me, even though I am a bone head about some things. He GENTLY showed me that it is not the song, but the intention that matters 🙂
Amen may he be glorified in all markets and I am not judging anyone’s heart for we are not to judge others.Good points Melindak but I do not agree that Christian Artists called to Christian ministry are to go secular. Yes we are to go into the world but in the call God has ordained for us and Christian artists are called to the christian music field.Not the secular world. God will draw the world to the Christian music field. I read of a secular band that got born-again at a Christian concert.Some Christians are called to go into the world take evangelists and missionaries for example. They are anointed for that type of service. I do not believe Christian artists are anointed for secular ministry but for christian ministry in the christian music field.