A casual listen to contemporary praise songs can leave you thinking God is most interested in making you feel good, giving you a happy and fulfilling life, and commanding you to go and make a social change in this world. Don't get me wrong: I'm not against those things, but biblically speaking, that is not what God is most passionate about. You know what He is most passionate about? His glory. And that is sadly lacking in many, if not most, of the contemporary songs out there on the radio. To make matters worse, many of these "Christian" songs filled with "Christianese" have become the most popular ones out there (Note: I don't want to mention specific names because I don't think that's necessary. This post isn't to bash on anyone, but to lament the current state of affairs in Christian music). But the reality is, these songs have become so self-centered, that even the ones that actually mention Jesus and/or God typically do it in a way that serves the to highlight the self.
So what's going on here? Why aren't more people writing biblically-sound praise songs? Sure, there are some that are doing it, and doing it well (The Gettys, Sovereign Grace, Enfield), but I rarely hear them playing on the radio. Not that they are necessarily seeking that, but the more exposure their songs get, the more that the truth of the gospel is proclaimed. But, the radio is playing what they think/know the listeners want to hear, so really the problem is with us.
Well, what's wrong with this, you may ask. What's wrong? Everything. The focus has been flipped around. These songs are foundationally incorrect. You want to feel good? Well, if you're talking about having the joy that only the fruit of the Spirit can bring through knowing and growing in Christ, then I'm on board. You want your best life now? Guess what: that's a life of humility and self-sacrifice and daily taking up your cross, not a comfortable lifestyle and mansions and fine dining that some would have you believe. Sure, if you have those things that doesn't mean you're not a Christian. But if that's all you're seeking, then chances are you probably aren't. You want to make a social change in this world? Feed the hungry, serve the poor? That's great. But please be sure that you proclaim the only message that can save people in the eternal sense because this life is temporary, but eternity is, well, eternal.
So this is a call for genuine believers to want to hear music that truly honors God. Yes, we are free to enjoy all types of music (I love jazz and musicals and classic rock, for example), but when it comes to our praise songs, let's not settle for these watered-down, make-ME-feel-good music because you know what? Our God is worthy of being praised for who He is and what He has done. So let's call for more of Shai Linne, more Sovereign Grace, more Enfield, and whoever else out there who is putting out God-glorifying music. And let's pray for more to be raised up.*
*I'm sure there are more artists out there who fall in this category, so please, if you know of any, let me know. I would love to hear them.
Oh, and I should point out: this is easier said than done. Writing good melodies and lyrics is pretty difficult. But, this does not excuse the many that put out these shallow songs.
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