With great power comes great responsibility

Dear, dear music. What would I do without you? I have learned so much through you. I have been lifted up by your sweet presence and been reminded of what’s really important. I have found comfort in knowing I am not alone, thanks to you.

In chapter four of the text book, Stephanie Bennett comments on how “music has long helped people to learn about their culture and, hence, to learn about themselves. ... This music promotes social unity and collective memory.” It’s amazing the power that music has. She also mentions that some people say that “CCM artist-musicians put to song their own questions, doubts and joys, thereby providing a way for listeners to do the same. Additionally, the music helps broaden the public discussion of issues that Christians face as part of the wider culture.” If artists aren’t putting these types of real life experiences and emotions into their music, what point does it have? It should come from the heart and inspire others to find encouragement, hope, and guidance through their words.


Some say that CCM waters down their religious content. However I would argue that what they are doing instead is trying to expand on the way that faith can be related to every area of life – including common issues like dating, depression, confusion, feeling lost, and popularity. This helps both believers and non-believers to get positive guidance and encouragement in knowing that artists have gone through the same type of struggles that they go through. In being able to relate, a powerful bond is formed.


According to Bennett, “The mystery and the majesty of God may be seen and heard in the faithful expression of musical gifts, in ways that reach deeper into the human soul than many other modes of communication. The creation, performance and message can soothe the soul, convince the sinner, praise God and condemn injustice.” That’s powerful stuff. I think it’s true that God gave us the gift of communication through music so that we can connect with others and with Him. It is a great blessing but also a responsibility. It is up to us to use the gifts we have in a way that is glorifying to God. A part of this means trying to reach all sorts of people around the world and doing our best to relate to them and be witnesses to them as well as keeping the glory for God and not for ourselves.


I will leave you with the lingering and powerful words of deceased legend Keith Green. “Music is a gift of God that is meant to be received with gladness and used wisely. As stewards of the mysteries of God, our calling is to handle what he gives us responsibly, taking care to nurture, enjoy and uphold the manifest beauty and myriad gifts of a Creator who has lavished his love on us with generosity and great variety, wrapped in a blessedness that is far beyond compare.”