Physical Effects and Spiritual Impulses

I enjoy reading Charles Spurgeon. Although I don’t always agree with every view that he held, he does have a timelessness about him that is especially true when identifying problems within the church. Consider this passage from his comments on Psalm 47:7: “Sing ye with understanding.”

It is to be feared from the slovenly way in which some make a noise in singing, that they fancy any sound will do. On the other hand, from the great attention paid by some to the mere music, we feel sadly sure that the sense has no effect upon them. Is it not a sin to be tickling men's ears with sounds when we profess to be adoring the Lord? What has a sensuous delight in organs, anthems, etc., to do with devotion? Do not men mistake physical effects for spiritual impulses? Do they not often offer to God strains far more calculated for human amusement than for divine acceptance? An understanding enlightened of the Holy Spirit is then and then only fully capable of offering worthy praise.

Please understand that Spurgeon is not saying that we should not give God our best. He is saying that we shouldn’t mistake the satisfying effect of music for a “blessing.” When someone comments on how much they love a certain song or singer, I sometimes wonder if that song or singer has communicated a message or simply left a hollow psychological/musical imprint on the mind of the listener.

Identifying and explaining the effects of music on an individual is tricky business, even for the individual himself. So I refrain from casting judgment on those who are “blessed” by music. I too have experienced biblical truth in musical settings which stir my heart and mind to worship the One who died for me. I’m thankful for that. Yet, as a musician, Spurgeon reminds me to keep my balance. “Mere music” is incapable of “offering worthy praise.”