Why Christian Music?

The older boys like to point out weaknesses in modern Christian music.  They do have a point, although (i) I'm not sure any modern music comes without weakness, and (ii) they're not saying anything that C.S. Lewis didn't say a long time ago.  If I had his compendium here, I'd find the quote and point it out.  

But, dear sons, even the discriminating ear can find beauty in some modern Christian music.  In other words, we need not throw out the baby with the bathwater.  No.  

Feel free to look for innovation.  You won't find it often, but when you do, it will be really good -- e.g., Rich Mullins, Jars of Clay, Fernando Ortega, Burlap to Cashmere, and even some of Jon Foreman's or Sufjan Stevens'.   

And after you look for innovation, look for passion.  You'll find it in the music of Keith Green, for example.

And when you can't find a ton of innovation and passion, look for sincerity and genuineness of a heart that seeks God.  So, for example, here's where you'll find Matt Maher and MWS.

I listen to Christian music as oft as I can because -- well . . . -- because I need it.  On the heart of a 45-year old man, a lot of gunk can accumulate, like old oil clings to a car's engine.  In a crude sense, listening to Christian music is like changing my heart's oil or flushing my heart's radiator.  What seems important to me throughout the day often isn't really that important in the sense of eternal importance.  

But what is important is what I hear in good Christian music.  It helps me refocus, align my sight, stay true to my calling.  It isn't that I'm more spiritual because I listen to Christian music -- instead, it's an admission that I'm "prone to wander, Lord I feel it" and good Christian music draws me back to center.  

I could give you a few examples, but maybe more would be better; so here's a list that I'll start and maybe keep adding to:

1.  Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best thought by day or by night

Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.

2.  Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise

Thou mine inheritance now and always

Thou and thine only first in my heart

High King of heaven my treasure Thou art.

3.  Sometimes I think of Abraham

How one star he saw had been lit for me

He was a stranger in this land, 

And I am that no less than he

And on this road to righteousness

Sometimes the climb can be so steep

I my falter in my steps

But never beyond Your reach

O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you.

I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your ways

And step by step you'll lead me, and I will follow you all of my days.