In other articles in this issue, the question of harmful music has been discussed. We have seen how that some types of music are inherently sinful, and thus they energize and excite our old sinful self. However, the question of what is commonly called “classical music” often comes up, and whether believers should listen to it.
In answering this question, we must recognize, first of all, that it was God that gave man an appreciation of music and the ability to produce it. Thus, music itself is not sinful. As has happened with many other gifts God has given us, sin has caused music to be used in the wrong way. We must also recognize that the things of nature, although given of God for our enjoyment, have the potential to displace Christ in our hearts and lives, if they are misused.
The Sweetness of Nature
I would suggest that classical music is some of the sweetness of nature that God allows for our enjoyment from time to time. As we have seen in another article in this issue, it is typified by honey in Scripture, for honey speaks to us of natural sweetness. Thus we read, “My son, eat thou honey, because it is good” (Prov. 24:1313My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: (Proverbs 24:13)), but there is also the warning, “Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it” (Prov. 25:1616Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. (Proverbs 25:16)). The Christian is never said to be dead to nature, but to be overly taken up with natural things will make us spiritually weak. A proper balance is needed. When Saul denied the people any food during a battle with the Philistines, it resulted in sin later on, when the people were so hungry that they ate meat with the blood. So the denial of the enjoyment of nature in a believer’s life will often result in an overwhelming desire that leads to sin. When Saul’s son Jonathan (who was unaware of his father’s command) took a little honey, it strengthened him in the battle. On the other hand, to be overly occupied with the things of nature is to be self-centered, and the misuse of God’s gifts will be similar to eating too much honey —an unbalanced diet!
All for Edification
In considering this subject, there are two verses in the New Testament that bear on it. We read, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (1 Cor. 10:23). Also we read, “All things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor. 6:12). Classical music is not sinful in itself, but there may be times when it is not expedient. Also, it does not edify in the spiritual realm, although it soothes the soul and comforts by its appeal to the natural senses. In addition, we must be careful not to be brought under the power of anything, and music, like other things, can bring us under its power. As with many other good gifts God has given, music has the potential to become an addiction, and then we are under its power. But the believer is to be under the power of the Spirit of God, and not under the power of something else.
If we take care to use classical music in this way (assuming that one has an appreciation for it), we will not be turned aside by it, and it will not take us away from Christ.
W. J. Prost