The consequentialness of music

I used to think one's music listening habits were inconsequential. Or what theologians call "adiophora" ("things in different").

Nevertheless, when I listen to certain music whose message is at odds with the Truth, I feel a little like I'm cheating on my husband: "The dog returns to his vomit" (2 Peter 2:22). (It's interesting that a good earache or flu will instantly clear my head regarding how idiotic such indulgence is.)

In particular, I have had a lifelong preference for sad songs. And when I became a Christian, it became a preference for sad hymns. But lately I have noticed that it is the joyful songs about Jesus that strengthen my soul. And not only the words but the melodies are important. There is mystery here, and I think King David was on to it: "David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy" (1 Chronicles 15:16). I see this as defiant joy --- defiance against the Enemy and against the tug of all the sad songs of the world.

I was surprised when a PCA pastor writing about renewal in the church commented on the "melancholy" music:

Is this the 'inexpressible and glorious joy' of which Peter spoke? Hardly. Many times I have participated in worship services that could have been moved to the local funeral home….How does God see us as we worship together? Is He delighted because…He is being 'enthroned on the praises' of His people? Does our worship reveal a growing consciousness among us of the darkness from which we were redeemed? Do we have overflowing thankfulness because a holy God has called us to be His dear children and made us the friends of His own heart? (C. John Miller, Outgrowing the Ingrown Church).