Girl to Girl Talk:
“Should Christians Listen to Secular and Explicit Music?”
Posted on March 4, 2013 at 9:00 am
Every week I go through the “Girl
Talk” section of Project Inspired and look for those seeking advice and
council. I want to help answer some questions you may have about living out
your Christian walk of faith and any miscellaneous topics! We want PI to be a
safe place where you can ask questions and become bold in your faith. We love
you, PI readers!
This week’s question is about
listening to secular music. A PI reader posted:
“I LOVE Hillsong United, Third Day,
and Newsboys but I ALSO like Pitbull, Katy Perry, and Eminem. Should I be
listening to them?”
PI readers, it is inevitable that, in
our culture, we’ll be exposed to different types of media. There are different
opinions about whether you should listen to secular or Christian music, but the
biggest concern isn’t whether or not you listen to worldly music–ultimately, it
is why you listen to what you do that matters most.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things
(Philippians 4:8).
[Image
Credit: http://www.openbible.info]
Personally, I love worship music because it brings me closer to the
Lord. I love singing praises to Him
and I love the positive lyrics. There are also secular artists who sing
positive music as well, but who are not labeled as “gospel” or “Christian.”
Each individual needs to use wisdom and pray regarding what they are listening
to.
In certain situations such as
celebrations, weddings and parties, there may be secular music playing, so we
need to be aware of society and culture–but that doesn’t mean we need to listen
to secular music all the time. It also doesn’t mean to be extreme and hide
under a rock to avoid all secular music. God knows your heart and your motives.
Ask yourself how the music makes you feel and if it is drawing you closer to or
away from God.
Since, then you have been raised with
Christ, set your HEARTS on things above, where Christ is seated at the right
hand of God. Set your MINDS on things above, not on earthly things…Put to
death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality,
impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry because of these the
wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once
lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger,
rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips…put on the new self,
which is being renewed in knowledge, in the image of its Creator (Colossians
3:1-2, 5-8, 10).
If the music you listen to has
cussing, vulgarity or if it is sending a message that is not of God,
you might want to refrain from listening to that type of music. There is so much power in words,
what we sing and what we allow in our minds. What we speak out or sing out, for
that matter, has power.
As you grow in maturity in your
faith, you will WANT to listen to music that edifies your spirit and that draws
you to God. When I was younger I didn’t realize the influence of music and that
some music wasn’t good for my soul. With maturity and growing nearer to the
Lord, I use my discretion and now prefer more positive music.
Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans
12:2).
Does what you listen to bring you closer
to the Lord, closer to what we are aiming for as believers? Or does it make
you stumble, think negative thoughts or make poor decisions in life? You need
to work out these choices in your life and at the end of the day, it is really
a condition of the heart.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say,
“Don’t listen to secular music,” but there are plenty of scriptures that tell
you to fix your eyes on Jesus and the truth (the Word of God). I don’t believe
you will go to hell for listening to worldly music and you shouldn’t be extreme
in your decisions or in your faith, but definitely be aware of music’s
messages.
Music has power. Music can influence
your mood, your emotions and can even sometimes your behavior or actions. Let
us pray that we can become more mature and listen to good, positive music that
isn’t damaging to our souls and our relationship with Jesus. Ask God for His
wisdom and again, have a balance. Use discretion and discernment, and pray to
the Lord about it!
The power of the tongue is life and
death—those who love to talk will eat what it produces (Proverbs 18:21).
PI girls, what kind of music do you
listen to? What do you think about listening to secular music?
Culled from Girl to Girl talk
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would appreciate your comments, suggestions and advice