As a professional musician for almost 40 years, I’m at least mildly interested in the Grammy’s each year. What new music is being made? Who are the young artists that will be tomorrow’s legends? Where is music headed, if anywhere? How long can an artist continue to produce great music?
Since this past Sunday, there’s been a disproportionate amount of computer screen space dedicated to comments and controversy about the show. I watched a portion and was freshly grateful for DVR technology. In case you missed it, this year’s event included an overtly sensual duet between Beyoncé and Jay Z, a satanically influenced segment by Katy Perry, and a mass wedding for 30+ heterosexual and same-sex couples, presided over by Queen Latifah, as Macklemore and friends sang, “Whatever god you believe in we come from the same one; Strip away the fear, underneath, it’s all the same love.”
I don’t watch the Grammy’s to learn theology, determine morality, or stand in judgment of those who haven’t found forgiveness in Jesus Christ. But there are always things to learn. This year I was reminded of the differences between musicians and Christian musicians.
Of course, there are many similarities. Christian musicians use the same instruments that non-Christians do. There are no “Christian” notes, chords, or scales. God doesn’t give all the best songs or skills to those who believe in him. Obviously. And we’re all fallen sinners in need of a Savior.
But there are profound differences as well. Unfortunately, those differences aren’t always apparent in our minds or in our lives. Lines can get blurred as we try to be a light in the darkness and end up being pressed into the world’s mold (Rom. 12:2). We make relevance our religion and tolerance our trademark. Of course, it doesn’t start out that way and doesn’t have to be that way. But if we don’t know how knowing Jesus makes us different, we won’t be.
So as a refresher, for myself and any other Christan musicians, here are three ways musicians who know Christ differ from musicians who don’t.
Christians are called to follow a different standard.
Who makes the rules to live by? Is it the majority opinion? The one who wields the most power? The savviest among us? Do we all have an inherent moral compass that tells us what’s wrong and right? Should we just seek to do the best we can as long as we don’t hurt anyone?
Any attempt to establish a universal moral code will fail unless it’s one we’ve received rather than one we’ve created ourselves. The only one who has the right to tell us what to do is the God who made us (Ps. 33:8-9). When people don’t believe in God, they establish their own parameters of what’s wrong and right. The problem is we tend to come up with different ideas of what that is.
Christians believe the ultimate authority in our lives is God who made us, who has revealed himself to us in Scripture and ultimately in Jesus Christ. While we may come up with differing opinions at times about the details, we all agree on the source of authority. It lies outside ourselves in God’s Word, both living and written. That means Scripture sets the standard for our clothing, our speech, our food and alcohol intake, our relationships, our marriages, and anything else we do. It’s in response to God’s mercy that we “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Rom. 12:1). “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
Christians are called to show a different grace.
The common understanding of “grace” in our culture is allowing people to do whatever they want and accepting them in it, even encouraging them. Who are we to judge? So friends who engage in overt sensuality, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, and “same love” marriages are to be accepted, approved, even applauded.
Biblical grace is different. It certainly includes showing kindness to everyone (Titus 3:2). But grace is favor given to those who deserved judgment. Grace meets us where we are but doesn’t leave us where we are. Grace teaches us to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:12). Grace calls us to acknowledge that we’re broken before it makes us beautiful. And that beauty isn’t rooted in who we are but in who Christ is.
Anyone can become part of the family of God by trusting that Jesus’ death on the cross fully paid the debt they owed to God. But the act of trusting includes the act of turning from the false gods that once ruled our lives (1 Thess. 1:9).
Experiencing grace helps us understand that while all people should be treated with respect and kindness, it’s love, not hate, to encourage and help people flee those things that are opposed to God’s will. Paul told his listeners in Jerusalem that God sent Jesus to “bless you by turning everyone of you from your wickedness” (Acts 3:26). It’s a blessing to obey God’s commands, not a curse.
Christians are called to seek a different glory.
It’s a rare musician (non-existent?) who doesn’t struggle to some degree with seeking their own glory. It’s normal for musicians to want attention. Everything they do is either in front of people or meant to be heard by others. Sales means success means significance.
But Christians have been freed to realize there’s someone more worthy to be glorified than themselves. In fact, there’s someone more worthy of glory than all of us: the God who both made us and sent his Son to redeem us.
It’s not that we aren’t supposed to commend a job well done. God tells us to give honor to whom honor is owed (Rom. 13:7). A good reputation is worth more than great riches (Prov. 22:1). It’s completely possible to receive accolades in this life without making them the end of our existence or our primary pursuit. But all our glory is derived, second-hand, a reflection. Glory has to do with who we ultimately want to receive the credit. Christian musicians, after a performance, want people to think more highly of God than themselves.
One final thought. The Grammy’s, and events like it, focus on the best of the best, the ones who exceed all others in skill, effect, or popularity. But the last day won’t be like an awards ceremony, with different individuals being singled out as the only winner in various categories. “And the award for the person in all of history who was the most generous to the poor goes to…!” Every good deed, every act of kindness, every trial endured in faith, will be seen and rewarded. (1 Cor. 4:5).
But there will only be one winner, one star, one individual to whom every knee will bow (Phil. 2:9-11). By God’s grace, may our aim be to join in with the unending praise.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)