Good morning people who pay careful attention to the songs that you sing.

Psalms 28:7 NIV The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

I feel a holy call to step on some toes today. So, read on and be encouraged!

David rightly writes, “with my song I praise Him.”

Who do you praise in the songs that you sing?

There has been a long-standing debate on ‘Christian and secular music.’ Some argue that songs themselves can’t be Christian or secular – it is people who are. To a point, I agree. But there is an equal truth that is a common truth found all through God’s Word: sowing and reaping. You can’t get good fruit off a bad tree, and by their fruit you shall know them.

So, what’s God saying to us today?

Be more careful with the songs you sing, yes, even for entertainment.

Singing is a gift from God for the purpose of praise. Our voice is given to us by God for the purpose of glorifying God – as is every part of our entire being. Yet many ‘harmless and fun’ songs declare messages that are contrary to truth. It’s time for more wisdom.

One further challenge for us today in the form of another question:

Which is louder and more joy-filled – your singing of secular songs at a wedding or a party, or your singing of praise and celebration at the goodness of God at church and in your secret place?

I find it a sad reality that many Christians who sing at the top of their lungs in secular environments, sing to the Lord of heaven and earth in subdued tones at church. Something is wrong if my exuberant singing of ‘Mamma Mia’ at a wedding reception drowns out my praise to Abba Father at church.

If I have one encouragement to every one of us today, it is this: let’s always use our mouth – whether speaking or singing – for the praise, adoration and glory of God. May God get our highest praise.

Psalms 19:14 NIV May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.