Can a member of the Lord’s Church be a Professional Musician?
Categories: Bible Questions and AnswersA query from a reader:
Dear Bro. Watkins,
I am sending you this message to commend you for the wonderful things you’re doing by spreading the gospel of our Lord via you articles. I greatly appreciate the the opportunity given me to enjoy such an undiluted gospel message from you.
Having said that, i’d like you to help me answered the following questions:
reference to Eph 5:18-19, Col 3:16, & James 5:19:
1. Can a member of the Lord’s church be a professional musician?
2. If not, Why Not?
3 If yes, why?
4. Can i play instrumental music at home?
Please i need your help.
I hope to hearing from you .
God richly bless you.
Respectfully,
The Bible authorizes you to work with your hands for a living (1 Thess. 4:11-12). There is no reason to believe that music would be exempt from this. You may play and practice at home.
What the scriptures require is that psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs be sung, with words (“teaching and admonishing”), not played with an instrument. This is true whether it is in a worship assembly or at home in private. This is an example of God specifying. If He commands building an ark with gopher wood (Gen. 6:14) we may not add or substitute another kind of wood. At the Lord’s table we may not add or substitute. The elements must be unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (Matt. 26:26-28).
Thank you for your good question.