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Just because a song is played on “Christian” radio doesn’t make its content Biblical. Tragically, those listening can’t always discern the difference between God-centered lyrics and lyrics that are more akin to pop psychology. Below are two examples of often played “Christian” songs.
One song never mentions God in any sense and is completely self-oriented. Its message could have just as easily been written by an atheist, agnostic, or humanist. The second set of lyrics is saturated in Jesus-exalting language. A life of self-denial is the focus. It could only have been written by someone seeking to magnify his Lord and not himself.
Although I could expound upon the weaknesses of one song and the virtues of the other I’ll leave further commentary alone – the contrasts are crystal clear. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, read and discern for yourself:
“It’s Your Life” by Francesca Battistelli
This is the moment
It’s on the line
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle between
Wrong and right
But you know after all
It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life
Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget
To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way
“Empty Me” by Jeremy Camp
Holy Fire burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me.
I want more of you and less of me.
Holy Fire burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me,
I want more of you and less of me, yeah.
Empty me,
Empty me, yeah,
Fill, won’t you fill me,
with you, with you, yeah.
Holy Fire, burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me.
I want more of you and less of me, yeah.
Empty me,
Empty me, yeah.
Fill, won’t you fill me, with you, with you, empty me now.
Well won’t you empty me, well won’t you empty me now.
I want more, I want more, I want more of you, Jesus.
I want more, I want more, oh.
Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, oh yeah,
Thank you, Jesus, yeah.
Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire
And now for your decision. Which of these songs most honors God? Which one most exalts man? Which lyrics best capture the majesty and worth of our Savior and gives us the desire to glorify and praise Him? Judge based upon His Word and His Spirit. All I will say is that we must be careful what we call “Christian” music. It may not be about Christ at all.
