In Tune with Music

Last night I got to attend one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. It was the US Navy jazz band, the Commodores. The event was free, which made it even more enjoyable for me. It was so amazing to hear different generations, genders, and races of Navy personnel come together to play some incredible music. As Edgar Winter said, “Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together”. Hundreds were brought together for the sold-out show. I had a front row seat, which allowed more room for my feet to tap the entire time. My only complaint was that the concert was not long enough. It got me thinking about the power of music.

As a reminder, when I quote people in this series, I am not advocating them or necessarily approving of their lifestyles. I’m just focused on what they might have said about various topics. Music is something that most people enjoy and recognize the influence it has in our culture. If you went to five different churches on a Sunday morning you would probably find 5 different ways of using music in worship. I have a great love for music even though the only instrument I can play is a kazoo. I often have a song in my heart. My wife is a pianist, but she isn’t as likely as me to have a song stuck in her mind for whatever reason. She doesn’t like as many genres of music as I do. That is one of the interesting things about music. It affects different people in different ways.

I agree with former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Benjamin Disraeli. “Most people die with their music still locked up inside them”. We remember songs that we first heard decades ago. It’s not unusual to have a tune inside of our heads. Even the worst of us singers have been known to belt out tunes when in the shower or driving the car alone. As a hospice chaplain I often play hymns for those who are on their deathbed. Good music can put our minds in good places and give perspective. Christians see the value of music that reminds us of God and his goodness.

“Music is powerful. As people listen to it, they can be affected. They respond.” That quote is from blind singer and pianist Ray Charles. I remember watching him on television as a child and being amazed with how much he seemed to enjoy playing and singing as he swayed his head. There is no doubt that music is powerful. As a youth pastor, I remember learning about the negative impact of music with bad lyrics. I tried to steer students towards listening to music that honors the Lord. That is because music certainly is something that affects us. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Beethoven said, “Music can change the world”. I do not know the context of his statement. While music is certainly a powerful force, I highly doubt that it has the power to truly change the world. If that was the case someone could compose a song that would bring world peace. Maybe someone could write a little ditty that would eliminate political commercials. As the election draws near, millions of Americans are pondering their choice and wondering which candidate can change America. We know that only God changing individuals’ hearts will actually cause any true change. Of course, we should vote and pray like crazy. No matter who is in the White House, God is still on the throne.

Famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix stated that “Music is my religion”. That is certainly a sad and telling statement from someone who died of a drug overdose. As wonderful as good music can be it is no substitute for a relationship with God. Bad music can take people to dark and dangerous places. Another popular musician who passed away because of an overdose at a young age was Prince. He said, “Music is healing. Music holds things together”. Music did not heal Prince or hold him together. There are many benefits to music. God alone, however, can heal. Jesus alone, holds the world together. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17). Music can enhance one’s faith. It cannot and does not replace the Lord.

Walter Savage Landor wrote “Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven”. There is a lot to think about with that quote. We know that Psalms is the longest book of the Bible. We could say that Psalms is a hymn book. God gave people the ability to write and perform music so that he could be worshiped in ways that stay with us. Amazing Grace. As soon as you read those two words, the tune and message of that song came to mind. We know that songs benefit us on earth and will be a part of the soundtrack for eternity. There are multiple references to singing in the book of Revelation. When in heaven, “we will sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96 & 98).

With our culture becoming more secularized, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the Navy band play what is called the Navy Hymn. In Eternal Father, Strong to Save there is mention of God the Eternal Father, Christ the Son, and the Most Holy Spirit! The hymn calls on God’s protection. It acknowledges that we cry out to God. Oh give, for wild confusion, peace. As the election draws near may we cry out to God, whether with our words or in a song. And may the God of peace draw near to his children and protect us.

I close with two quotes from a musician you may have heard of named Elvis Presley. “Until we meet again, may God bless you as he has blessed me”. “I don’t know anything about music. In my line you don’t have to”. Now I’m all shook up.