Any of you that have been on the Christian music scene for any length of time will understand what I am about to describe. In the beginning, you thought working in the Christian music industry would be different than the secular industry. That everyone would have good intentions, there would be integrity, and people would want to help you. But instead, you’ve been disappointed. There seems to be an acceptable “I’ll get right back to you on that. We are really into it!” and yet you never hear back. Promises have been broken, and there are few people you can trust. It has made you even question what God has called you to do. Why is this happening to our industry?
Because there is a war going on! You probably remember the story of Lucifer, the archangel that fell from glory, and is now our enemy. Many Biblical scholars believe he was the director of worship before the fall. His greatest goal now is to kill, steal, and destroy in any way he can. If Christian music encourages the believer, and helps fulfill the great commission, surely it is a large target. So how do we operate in the war zone?
PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Remember who you are fighting, don’t let the bitterness creep in. It could defeat you.
LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Only He can direct your every step, showing you where to walk. Every person has a different path. He may change your course at some points, which could be frustrating. He may tell you to stand your ground. He may say no to a path that looks really good. Trust Him.
KEEP WORSHIPING
Interestingly enough, one way music was used in the Bible was during battle. In the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:21-23 in the Message, it says this:
“After talking it over with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed a choir for God; dressed in holy robes, they were to march ahead of the troops, singing, ‘Give thanks to God,
His love never quits.’ As soon as they started shouting and praising, God set ambushes against the men…..and they all ended up dead.”
So while we can expect opposition from the enemy, we do not fear it. We know that Christ has overcome the world. We just need to be mindful that we are listening to Him every step of the journey, with thankfulness that we have been chosen for this army. No power can compare to Jesus, our great hope. In Him, we are more than conquerors!