Singing or Sinning?

I have heard different kinds of preached messages with some of them having some interesting topics. Consider these: "Excuse me Lord, I have a question!", " Content in the Context of the Concept", and the one that drew my mind's eye, "Are you singing or sinning?". Before you allow your mind to wonder at the basis of such a message, hold your breath and check out this simple piece of scripture.

"By HIM (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of Praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name". Heb 13:15

Accordingly we are supposed to open our mouth, sing with grace in our hearts and praise God continually. Isn't it the Psalmist who beseeched everything that has breath to praise the Lord? Aren't we as Christians supposed to live a life of continous worship and thanksgiving to our God? Indeed we are! However we ought to realise one important thing; let your praising be BY HIM. What does this mean?

Simply put, let every song you sing be one that acknowledges Jesus' finished work on your behalf, sing with an understanding of what God through his son did for you in calvary. Before you utter those words in singing, read the lyrics again. Do they agree with what the Bible says concerning you? Do they indeed show forth the magnificence of God? If you don't know, then rather than plunge into a singing spree, check your Bible or ask your Pastor or some learned brother or sister.

Just like James warned us against praying amiss, Paul in his writings indirectly requests us not to sing amiss. In scriptures like Eph 5:19-20, Col 3:16 we are told that when we sing, let it be with an understanding of the Grace of God, giving thanks to his name for Jesus Christ. There are a number of songs called Gospel, which in reality are not Gospel. I mean, if we read the lyrics and consider the messages, indeed they are not "good news". Rather than depict the sovereignty and excellence of God and his manifest blessings to us through Christ, these songs do otherwise.

Gospel songs are supposed to be exactly what we call them; Gospel (good news)! Next time you listen to a song, or attempt to sing your favourite melody, stop to read the lyrics very well. Ponder the message and like a christian with a Berea attitude, check to ensure its concomitant with scripture truth. If you don't, you just may be sinning and not singing.