It is true that in the secular world music is often created primarily to entertain rather than to serve any deeper purpose. In many cases, secular music exists to express personal frustrations, to elevate the ego, to promote immorality, or to normalize ideas that are contrary to biblical values. Through rhythm, repetition, and emotional appeal, the masses are kept entertained, distracted, and satisfied by being given exactly what they desire. Music becomes a product designed to please human appetites rather than to elevate the soul or point toward truth.
In this system, success is measured by popularity, streams, applause, and commercial impact. The content of the music often becomes secondary to how it makes people feel in the moment. As long as it entertains, excites, or provokes emotion, it is considered successful. This approach shapes the mindset of society, conditioning people to consume music without discernment, focusing only on how it sounds rather than on what it communicates.
Now let us turn our attention to Christian music. A crucial question must be asked: what is Christian music supposed to be for? Should it function in the same way as secular music, merely entertaining people and giving them what they want? This is where a serious problem emerges within the contemporary church. Many Christian music producers, artists, and even churches have adopted the mindset of the entertainment industry and attempt to merge Christian music with the world’s standards of success.
It is deeply unfortunate that, today, Christian music is often shaped more by cultural trends than by biblical convictions. Instead of asking, “Does this glorify God?” the dominant question becomes, “Will people like it?” or “Will this attract a larger audience?” As a result, Christian music can begin to resemble secular music in structure, emphasis, and intention, differing only in terminology.
When do we begin to notice this shift? It becomes evident when music is reduced to sound alone—drums, guitar, piano, and emotional intensity—while the lyrics lack depth, truth, and reverence for God. The music may be loud, polished, and emotionally stirring, but it does not exalt the character of God, the work of Christ, or the authority of Scripture.
It is important to clarify that this is not an argument against musical instruments or styles. The Bible itself mentions a wide variety of instruments used in worship. The issue is not genre, rhythm, or volume. Rather, the issue is purpose. Christian music should be only and exclusively oriented toward worshiping God and building lives spiritually.
True Christian music is not centered on human emotion but on divine truth. It is not designed to entertain an audience but to lead believers into reverent worship. It does not seek applause but obedience. When music loses this focus, it ceases to function as worship and becomes performance.
Everything we do in the Christian life must have one ultimate goal: to give glory to God. This principle applies not only to music, but to every aspect of life. The Scriptures make this truth unmistakably clear, reminding us that God’s glory must be the driving force behind all our actions.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
This verse leaves no room for exceptions. “Whatsoever ye do” includes how we sing, what we write, and the kind of music we bring into the church. Music is not neutral. It shapes theology, influences emotions, and teaches doctrine, whether intentionally or not. Therefore, Christian music must be approached with reverence, responsibility, and biblical discernment.
Christian music is not entertainment, and according to Scripture, it never was meant to be. In the Bible, music served as an act of worship, a proclamation of God’s greatness, and a means of instruction for God’s people. The Psalms, for example, are not designed to amuse the listener but to declare truth, express repentance, proclaim God’s sovereignty, and cultivate reverence.
When Christian music imitates the secular world’s philosophy—producing songs primarily for mass appeal—it risks losing its spiritual power. The goal shifts from transforming lives to pleasing crowds. This is dangerous because the church is not called to entertain society but to confront it with truth, grace, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The world makes music to satisfy desires; the church must make music to shape hearts. The world uses music to distract people from reality; Christian music should awaken people to eternal truth. The world seeks profit and recognition; Christian music must seek God’s glory alone.
We have been called to save lives, not to mimic cultural trends. The gospel is powerful enough on its own and does not need to be packaged as entertainment to be effective. What the church needs today is not louder music or more emotional experiences, but songs rich in biblical truth, doctrinal clarity, and reverence for God.
Songs with high biblical content are urgently needed—songs that teach who God is, what Christ has done, what sin is, and why grace matters. Such music nourishes the soul, strengthens faith, and equips believers to stand firm in a confused and broken world.
This can only be achieved when those involved in Christian music fully understand that what they do is for God and not for human approval. When God becomes the audience, excellence takes on a different meaning. It is no longer about impressing people but about honoring the Lord with truth, sincerity, and humility.
May Christian music return to its rightful place—not as a tool for entertainment, but as an instrument of worship, edification, and proclamation of God’s glory. When music is grounded in Scripture and directed toward God, it fulfills its highest purpose and becomes a powerful means of grace for the church.