God’s word sets boundaries for us in all areas. The word is the regulator of life for believers. By the way, the existence of boundaries is no proof of lack of liberty. A child has liberty as long as he is under the roof of his parents. But the parents may state some no-go areas for the safety of the child, and for peaceful coexistence among the several members of the household. The boundaries that God set for us in His word are for our good. Let’s examine two areas where we can take the word of God as the standard of behaviour. One is our thought life. Philippians 4:8 sets the boundaries of what to think. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” You cannot follow this formula and run into trouble with the works of the flesh. Outside of this lies all anxiety, fear, immoral, and wicked thoughts that will endanger our walk with God.

Our songs must reflect grace; they are either building up an altar of worship unto God or edifying our soul unto more Christ-likeness. Songs are like food; they don’t leave us the same…The good songs build up; bad ones are like poison to the soul.

Another area that must be word-regulated is the songs we sing and listen to. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16 NKJV). Our songs must reflect grace; they are either building up an altar of worship unto God or edifying our soul unto more Christ-likeness. Songs are like food; they don’t leave us the same. Once we ingest any food it either builds us up or cause disaster for the body. The good songs build up; bad ones are like poison to the soul.