Using truly spiritual (non-carnal, non-flesh pleasing) songs in corporate worship, as outlined in Scripture, makes a difference because it demonstrates to ourselves and the world that we are striving to live set-apart lives in the area of music.

Conversely, using carnal “Christian” music in worship does not show any set-apart distinction and, if the lyrics are removed, it sounds exactly like the world’s music because it imitates worldly, carnal music styles.

* Spiritual songs are a musical expression of denying our old sin nature and exhibiting self-control. Carnal “Christian” music “pictures” the conflict of our new redeemed spirit vs. our old sin-nature, (i.e., spiritual lyrics vs. carnal music).

* Spiritual songs avoid worldly rhythms and other sensual music techniques that appeal to the flesh.

* Spiritual songs help and encourage others who may stumble in their walk with the Lord as a result of the carnal, sensual rhythms in carnal music.

* Spiritual songs honor and obey Holy God, to Whom we are offering our worship through song; we are worshiping God His way, not our way, to the best of our earthly ability.

* Spiritual songs ensure we are truly worshiping God “in spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24), rather than obtaining an emotional high as a result of the off-beat drum rhythms, and mistaking it for a spiritual experience. (Take the rhythms away and this point is proven.)

These are just a few of the reasons that using true, spiritual (non-carnal) music for our worship music makes a difference.

In the final analysis, shouldn’t we want to avoid the use of sensual techniques in our worship music? Techniques that have caused some of our brothers and sisters in Christ to fail morally?

The kind of music to which we listen (and worship God) does make a difference, whether or not we think it is affecting ourselves or others. Shouldn’t we want to use music that honors a Holy God in both lyrics and the musical vehicle? If not, why not?

And the bottom line is this:

Is God glorified through music that contains carnal and/or sensual worldly musical elements, no matter how spiritual the words are? No matter how “sincere” we may be?

Is He pleased when we offer to Him an imitation of the world’s sinful music styles?