The fact of the matter is that, in both very subtle and quite obvious ways, we can be influenced by the images of success and worth portrayed by the media. Our values, standards and the way we think and communicate, can gradually and perhaps radically change. Why is our self-esteem so often gauged by comparisons with media role models. It is because we listen to the wrong voices, and set our standards by the wrong criteria. We need appropriate models to follow.
Moral decay is clearly evident in much of the music that the world promotes.
The otherwise wholesome activity of music making, is so easily tainted by self, pride, lust, and idolatry. We need a standard, so that we can focus on the essential and important things and not just react to the urgent. Without a standard, just finding something to sing in church on Sunday becomes the objective, rather than a planned pursuit of the desired standard. Whoever's rules are ruling your life, is functioning as god to you. To investigate the Standards that people pursue, go to Setting Standards for Effective Music Ministry, Part 1.