Music speaks to us in a way nothing else does. For Seventh Day Adventists, gospel music isn’t just entertainment, it’s ministry. As Jesus taught, we are not to store up treasure only on earth but to “store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). Singing God’s praises is one way to do that. Every hymn we lift becomes a deposit in that heavenly bank.
The Bible itself gives us a model of music as stewardship: David. Scripture tells us in 1 Samuel 16:23 that whenever King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, young David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul, and the spirit would leave him. What does this mean for us? David didn’t just play music for fun. He stewarded his gift to heal, to bring peace, and to remind Saul of God’s presence.
Later he became known as “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). His psalms weren’t just songs for the moment; they were investments in eternity. We still sing his words today, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23), “Create in me a clean heart” (Psalm 51). David’s music transcended his lifetime, carrying hope for generations. When we use our musical gifts for God, they can echo far beyond our own lives, just like David’s harp still resonates today.
Centuries after David, Neville Peter shows how that same principle still applies. Born in St. Thomas, he loved to sing as a child and even sang above the organ at congregational services. He later pursued jazz and R&B, touring with big names like Gladys Knight. But something was missing. On New Year’s Eve 1998, Neville realized he had “seen all the world had to offer and he did not find it appealing.” He then “resolved to give all of his talents to God, withholding nothing.”
Now an internationally acclaimed gospel artist, Neville says his greatest joy is to use his music “to introduce people to the Savior and to show them how to get ready for His soon return.” His story mirrors David’s: both had talents that could have been used for earthly fame, but they chose to dedicate them to God. Both remind us that true music stewardship means more than entertainment, it means; healing hearts, lifting spirits, and pointing souls toward eternity.
One of Neville’s most moving songs is “Look Up.” The chorus says: “Look up, your redemption is coming and it won’t be too long from now. Look up, soon you’re going to see me coming in the clouds.” Just as David’s harp brought Saul comfort, Neville’s song brings me peace when I feel weighed down. It turns my eyes from daily problems toward Christ’s promise of eternity.
Another powerful example is Wintley Phipps, the Adventist baritone known for his rich voice that has inspired millions. Phipps has sung for U.S. presidents, on Oprah, and at national events yet his commitment has always been to God. At just 16 years old, he determined that he would dedicate his talents to the service of Christ.
One of his most famous moments was singing “Amazing Grace” in front of thousands, explaining the hymn’s deep history and connecting it to the African American spiritual tradition. When I hear him sing, I don’t just hear a performance. I hear a sermon in music. His voice, like David’s harp, carries healing, comfort, and conviction.
What inspires me most about Wintley is his humility. Despite global fame, he constantly reminds audiences that music is about service. He once said that his dream is not only to sing, but to lift others toward their God-given destiny. That’s stewardship, using influence not for self, but for souls.
David with his harp, Neville with his gospel voice, and Wintley with his baritone all show us that music is a holy trust. Scripture calls us to the same. Paul tells us to speak “to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (Ephesians 5:19). Colossians 3:16 adds that we should sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
For us today, stewardship in music can mean joining the church choir, writing hymns, posting an encouraging cover online, or practicing diligently to improve a gift. David’s harp soothed a king, Neville’s songs comfort anxious youth, and Wintley’s voice inspires nations. What about your voice? Your guitar? Your keyboard? They too can be tools for eternity.
Music also teaches practical stewardship: discipline in practice, patience in learning, teamwork in choir, and courage in sharing. Like David, who learned to shepherd before he became king, we learn to steward our songs before God entrusts us with bigger missions.
So what does this mean for us right now? It means every time we pick up an instrument, open our mouths to sing, or press play on a gospel track, we are deciding what kind of treasure we’re storing. Are we singing just for fun, or are we making each song count for eternity?
David’s harp still speaks, Neville’s songs still inspire, and Wintley’s voice still moves hearts worldwide. As Matthew 6:21 reminds us: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If our treasure is in Christ, and our music points to Him, then our hearts will be there also.
To all the young (and young-at-heart) musicians reading this: your talent is a gift on loan from God. Each note of praise you pour out is like planting a seed that might bloom long after you’re gone. Every hymn is a legacy, a melody that echoes in eternity.
So let us sing with purpose. Our music can be a stewardship of faith, an eternal investment whose dividends last forever. Then, when Jesus calls us home, our songs of praise will have already reached their beautiful finale.
Is a youth at Kilimani Springs and a law student at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. She loves kids and is passionate and dedicated in doing the Lord’s work. She puts God first in all she does and believes that every step should be a step towards the Kingdom of Christ
