"Finding the Sacred in the Secular": Part 2: "Secular Music"

I have had a great time researching how pastors and churches are using secular resources to reach the lost. In Part 1we saw some examples of how media is being used. In Part 2 of “Finding the Sacred in the Secular” we will explore the use of secular music in the church.

I can’t tell you how many churches are using music from secular sources to portray the Gospel message. When Craig was traveling as an evangelist he felt impressed by the Holy Ghost to use R. Kelley’s “I Believe I Can Fly” while ministering at a certain church. He took a step in faith and obeyed God. As a result, a mighty move of God broke out that extended the special meeting into a full blown revival.

I know many Christians who feel as if anything not in the hymnal is directly from the pit of hell, that Satan is the author himself. I disagree. For his Christmas message to War Cry readers of 1880 William Booth had already written: 'Secular music, do you say, belongs to the devil? Does it? Well, if it did I would plunder him for it, for he has no right to a single note of the whole seven. . . . Every note, and every strain, and every harmony is divine, and belongs to us. . . . So consecrate your voice and your instruments. Bring out your comets and harps and organs and flutes and violins and pianos and drums, and everything else that can make melody. Offer them to God, and use them to make all the hearts about you merry before the Lord.'

I believe that God can and will use anything that is offered up to Him. The way I see it is plainly stated in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The Bible says that God's Word is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of dividing. Simply this, the Word divides and discerns. God's Word is capable of dividing right from wrong, good from evil, and so on, and that if you have the Word in you, you are capable of dividing as well.

As I conclude Part 2, allow me to say, if there is anything sacred to be found in secular music (and I believe there is), we are obligated to rely on the Holy Spirit and the gift of discernment to guide us in how to use the resource for the glory of God.

In conclusion I have listed a few secular songs I believe hold something sacred that when partnered with the Spirit of God will change people from the inside out…

1.) “I’m a Survivor” (Destiny’s Child)
2.) “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion)
3.) “Stand” (Rascal Flatts)
4.) “Unwritten” (Natasha Beddingfield)
5.) “Anyway” (Martina McBride)

Think about it, what secular songs do you feel have a message that can be used for God’s glory?


Love & Blessings,