Ephesians 5:19 instructs us, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
This verse highlights the importance of our words and the music we choose to fill our hearts and minds.
When we sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord, we express the joy and thankfulness that flow from a heart transformed by God’s grace. Colossians 3:16 reinforces this idea: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
This isn’t just an individual act of worship; it’s also a powerful way to encourage and uplift one another in the faith.
Music always draws a crowd, and the type of music we choose shapes the environment around us.
For instance, if you look at a nightclub where everyone’s dressed in cowboy boots and driving big trucks, you’d expect to hear country music that fits that setting. Now, imagine interrupting that atmosphere by playing “Amazing Grace.” It would feel completely out of place, disrupting the vibe because the music doesn’t match the environment.
The same principle applies to our worship in church and, more importantly, to our lives as believers. We understand that certain music is appropriate for Christians and some isn’t.
Godly, spiritual music is distinct from fleshly, worldly music. Just as “Amazing Grace” would be out of place in a nightclub, it’s equally out of place to fill our lives with music that doesn’t honor God.
James 3:9-10 challenges us further: “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
This passage reminds us that our speech—including the music we listen to and the words we sing—should consistently honor God. There should be no disconnect between our worship in church and our behavior outside of it; our words and music should reflect our faith in all aspects of life.
As dear children of God, let’s be intentional about the words we speak and the songs we listen to. Let them overflow with praise and thanksgiving, reflecting the joy and grace that God has poured into our lives. By doing so, we not only honor God but also encourage and uplift those around us, creating an atmosphere where His presence is welcomed and celebrated.
