Muraho royal priesthood, may this day be favourable to you.
Colossians 3 :16 (KJ) “ 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.”
Knowing and aligning with the Word is not an option to grow spiritually. Just as the physical body needs natural food to feed, our spirit needs the spiritual nourishment that is the word of GOD. To avoid nutritional deficiencies it is recommended, to have a balanced, varied, and healthy diet. Likewise, we can avoid spiritual deficiencies by continually nourishing ourselves with the word of CHRIST (not the Law). For our balance, we must receive it entirely in all its richness, without removing or adding anything. For It is proven, pure and "profitable for instruction, for conviction, for correction, for training in righteousness: That the man of GOD may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16 -17)
As I read the rest of the verse, I would like to note two points:
- We must listen to what builds, educates, and encourages. In short, what makes us better. Rightly so it says "All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive" (1 Corinthians 10:23).
- We must be aware of the message of our songs, praises, psalms, hymns, and hymns. We can't sing by automatism. Even when it comes to so-called Christian music or gospel music. We need to make sure that the content is consistent (in agreement) with the Bible. When I was little, I was uncomfortable with the song "Glory, Glory, Glory to the Lamb". In itself, this song is great, but every time I heard people sing it, I felt like they really worship a lamb. The child I was, saw lambs on TV, in documentaries, and in cartoons. I could not conceive that JESUS, the one to whom I shouted, would be represented or compared to an animal. (confers publication I didn't have adults' words) So I changed the lyrics to "Glory, Glory, Glory to JESUS". Even today, I still do it, especially if new converts or children are around.
I listen to a lot of instrumental music but still, I consider the source and the fruits. Is the artist a disciple of JESUS? What testimony do I have when I listen to this music? Is this melody just good to my ears? Am I inspired by a new song in my heart? Do I have peace in my heart? Do I feel like pushing to pray? I am assailed by impure or carnal thoughts when I listen? Some people put Christian lyrics on worldly instrumental music. As far as I'm concerned, I don't recommend it. Of course, I understand for Christians living in persecuted territories it is not so simple. To them specifically, I would say to ask for wisdom and conviction from the HOLY SPIRIT about how to do it. But as much as it depends on our free will, worldly music must be banished from our lives.
In the world, it is common to listen to and sing songs without understanding them. A person could curse his own life without knowing it. In its nature, GOD is Love, Truth, and Holy. These three traits constitute an inseparable trio. GOD's Love will always be in accordance with his Truth and together will produce a fruit that will always be Holy. No worldly music, even with a committed message or well-intentioned composers, could produce the fruit of a song that glorifies the LORD. The truth without GOD is not a half-truth, it is a seduction! It is precisely by a half-truth Eve was seduced.
Now, let's go back to our verse. If spiritual hymns are beneficial to our inner being, then certainly the songs of the world are harmful to us. The sooner we get rid of it, the better. The choice is simple. Either we feed ourselves spiritually or we poison ourselves.
It is written "For with You is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9, NIV)