“Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my moments and my
days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.”
Music and Scripture are deeply connected, as both reflect the order, beauty, and truth of God’s creation. In the Classical Christian framework, music is not only a skill but a means of shaping the soul. Students learn that beauty in music requires order, self-control, and attentive listening—qualities that reflect a life ordered toward truth. Through singing hymns, learning music theory, studying composers, and participating in performance, students develop their musical abilities while also cultivating virtue, discipline, and reverence for God. The Bible serves as the foundation; the truths of Scripture are woven into hymns, allowing students to sing, memorize, and internalize God’s Word. As students engage with these hymns, they are not only growing musically but also forming hearts that appreciate and respond to God’s beauty. Music becomes an act of worship—guiding students to use their talents with excellence, humility, and joy for the glory of God.
Self-control is the character trait for the month of April, and the Bible teaches us in Galatians 5:22-23 that self-control is one of the “Fruits of the Spirit.” Self-control is to tame the body, mind and heart; in other words, self-control means I give my thoughts, words, and actions to God. In relation to music, self-control is disciplining mind, body, and sound to create beauty, order, and excellence for God’s glory. It is choosing to follow truth and order in music, even when it is difficult. “Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.” This hymn is a picture of surrender—letting God shape our actions. “Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord,” focuses on directing our thoughts and desires toward God. “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give,” reinforces giving up control of selfish desires. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey,” highlights choosing obedience over impulse.
Self-control helps us live the way God desires. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Thankfully the Lord doesn’t expect us to do this on our own strength and striving. Self-control is a work of the Holy Spirit in us! “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13) True self-control is not just willpower – it is the Holy Spirit working within us, helping us choose what is good, orderly, and beautiful.
Self-control in music is more than following rules—it is learning to bring our thoughts, bodies, and sound under loving guidance by the power of the Holy Spirit. As we sing and listen to music, we practice restraint, patience, and attentiveness. These habits shape not only musicianship but the heart. “More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!” Singing can help us order our affections—loving what is right most. The Holy Spirit shapes our hearts to love order, beauty, and truth, and then we can learn to rightfully worship God.
