Music is a powerful force. A simple melody has the power to raise or lower a mood, excite or relax one's emotions, or gives an avenue of expression. Even without words music possesses this "power". Most songs always begin instrumentally, "paving the way" for the lyrics of the song. Once the beat or melody has captured your attention you'll not only sing along, but will even memorize the lyrics. Certain songs may even receive the title of a "life song" or one might say "that's my jam!"

The important thing to realize is that music has a STRONG influence in our lives. As stated above it affects our moods and emotions, giving an opening for a song's lyrics to shape our thinking through listening or memorizing. Every song expresses some kind of idea, thought, or "worldview". Whether nonsensical, trivial, or profound the artist/composer is "expressing" thoughts, feelings, and emotions through this medium of music.

In worship music this "expression" is called doxology. As followers of Christ we "express" and give praise to God for who He is and what He has done. This vertical aspect of worship is the first and primary purpose. Any other aspects (teaching, influence, edification) are all subservient to the vertical aspect of worship through song. With this purpose in place, there are two things we need to examine. First, that our hearts are genuinely and authentically expressing praise to God. Throughout Scripture we see The Lord desiring those with hearts after His own, and that He looks not at the outward, but the inward. In our idioms such as "half-hearted" or "their heart wasn't in it" we admit to the fact that anything less than our whole heart is not a ideal amount of effort given. How much more so, then, should an infinite, all-powerful, holy God receive our whole heart in worship? Second, in light of the fact that God is infinite, all-powerful, and perfectly holy, truth is just as infinitely important. We honor God by worshipping in "Spirit and truth" [John 4:24]. When people describe or attribute characteristics to us we appreciate 100% accuracy. How much more so would God? In His word He has revealed to us everything we need to know, and from His word is where we learn about Him, so as to worship Him in truth.

The word of the year at Revolve is "Intentional" and the worship team is not exempt. We are being intentional in our approach to the songs we select to play and when we select to play them. Songs that praise God and honor Him by having no doctrinal error. Also, songs that teach, encourage, edify, and exhort the congregation to live a gospel-centered, holy life in surrender to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

In the same way I would encourage you to be just as intentional with the songs you let influence you. This is NOT to say you cannot listen to secular music, but only a reminder that every song will influence, teach, or express a "worldview" in some way to some extent. As followers of Christ our sole authority in life is the Bible and everything should be viewed through a "biblical lens". Christian music is no exception, in fact it should be held to a higher standard in our eyes, because it has declared itself to be God-honoring. Being "like a Berean" when it comes to searching the scriptures for accuracy is not only applicable to sermons, it is just as applicable to Christian/worship songs. Each song should be measured up against the truth of Scripture. The catchiest beat does not justify error in lyrics. Remember music is powerful, it will influence you, be diligent to make sure it is truth you are being influenced by.

Our adversary is cunning, he won't attack the front gate when he can sneak in the back, nor does he need a ship to make a ninety degree turn to be off course when only one degree over a period of time will do that for him. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)