As a musically-infused and influenced culture, artists and record label executives have the power to sway a whole population in terms of the speech, style, and definition of success and truth. Many music moguls state that God has blessed them with not only there gifts and talents, but their wealth as well, regardless of criminal or unethical acts that they have committed. So how do you separate a musical corporation of worldly doctrine and message from one whose sole intent is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What are the 'fruits', just a person would exert, that would help you to discern a worldly, or secular, music label or even a gospel label with ulterior motives from one that upholds the precepts of the Lord.

Christian Music Record Label

1. Focus (musically and in business) is solely on Christ (Meetings are more focused on exclaiming the name of Christ)

2. Christian Leadership (A elder, or elders, of the church is able to peer into the corporation and give Godly wisdom)

3. Christian Fellowship (Members of the label are also members of a church, and also spiritually edifying one another in the label, and come together for fellowship and activities)

4. Total Artist Dedication to Christ (A unadulterated, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, seen fully by others; full profession in music, speech and actions; 'good fruits')

5. More focus on excellence spiritually, then musically (Correct priority of Christian correction of oneself and the message of the music before actually creating the music)

6. Non-conflicting morals, ethics, and ideals (A "practice what you preach" doctrine; Word of God in music, and the reflection of the Word in the life of the artist)

Secular (Worldly) Record Label

1. Focus is solely on self (Meetings are more focused on exclaiming the name of the artist and label)

2. Ungodly Leadership (Leaders of the label unconcerned with unrighteous actions within the label)

3. Worldly Fellowship and Activities (Members of the label are mostly left to search out their own justification, and engage in worldly activities and perform in unjust environments)

4. Total Artist Dedication to Self and Monetary Funds (A conflict between spirituality and career, with a centered focus on self-image and wealth)

5. More focus on excellence monetarily, then musically (Incorrect priorities, focusing on sales, always a priority before integrity of the music)

6. Several conflicting morals, ethics, and ideals (A "I'm not a role model" doctrine; proclaiming the Word of God in dire situations, but continue to revel in worldly lusts and temptation; no change in the message of the music)

A Standard to Uphold

There is a standard in which Christian music and the record labels that represent the art form should function. However, there are countless record labels, even Christian record labels, that would practice the opposite, with carnal pride and esteem of gifts and accomplishments that have distorted their view. As a singular child of God, or even the Church, mentioned as the body of Christ, a Christian record label should have all of the righteous attributes a person would through out their walk with God. A label not beyond reproach, selfless, with the intent to serve God through its music and contributions to the generation.