Exposition
“The Christian and Secular Music” shall engage our attention this week. What then is secular music? Secular music is any music not written for the church. They include love songs, political satire, songs for dances and drama; they are usually based on moral subjects. In effect, secular music is not a worship or praise song that specifically glorifies Jesus Christ. In the Western world, this genre of music emerged during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era and was mostly in Latin lyrics. In Africa, most cultures had and still have the folkloric music that passes traditional beliefs, customs and community stories to the next generation.
Christian music, on the other hand, may cover all the songs written with the view to glorify God or accomplish His will. Gospel songs are a bit narrower in the sense that they focus mainly on New Testament theology. Gospel music focuses more on publishing the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ, exalt Him or exalt the Godhead for what He has done through Christ for you. It is also prophetic in the New Testament sense, since it is for edification, encouragement, and consolation.
In today’s reading, you are admonished to consider your former ways of doing things when you walk in ignorance and disobedience to God. What were your favourite songs? What kind of dance did you delight in? Music, which is a universal language, has the ability to grip the soul for positive or negative action; thus, Christian music could lead the soul to worship God whilst a secular music could turn erotic leading to promiscuity. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Your behaviour could be triggered by the kind of music you listen to. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (v.17)