I love music. Music is a big part of our family. All 4 of my kids play an instrument and are part of the worship team at church. We have a radio in our kitchen that is always on, set to our local Christian station. When we are in the car, the radio is on and turned up loud! Over the summer we had a 7 year old boy over a few days a week. He told me that in his family, they never turn on the car radio. Ever. That is so foreign to me! No radio in the car!? Really!? At any given time you will see my husband, my kids or even me with headphones in listening to music. We love music! We love all genres of music. From country, to rap, to R&B, to pop, to rock, to Motown, just about any music, we love. However, about 6 years ago my husband and I made the decision that we would only listen to Christian music. We find Christian music encouraging and uplifting. I cannot tell you how many times just the right song of encouragement came on the radio at just the right time. Such a God thing! The djs always share encouraging stories and Scripture verses and if you call in with prayer, they pray for you. Christian music is such a blessing. We can tell a big difference in our attitudes and the atmosphere of our home when we listen to Christian music. We are filling our minds, hearts and spirits with things of God.
However, as you can imagine, when traveling through some towns there are not always Christian radio stations. So as we flip through stations, we often land on secular music. After 14 hours of listening to a wide variety of secular music, I didn't want to go murder someone, I didn't want to cheat on my husband, and I had no desire to get drunk. No, nothing bad happened at all.
However, I didn't feel uplifted. I didn't feel my spirit being nourished. Yes, there was few moments of entertainment, loud singing and finger tapping. But I was left feeling empty.
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.
Philippians 4:8
The Bible tells us to think and meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. Secular music offers entertainment, sometimes it's wholesome entertainment and sometimes it's clearly not, but it doesn't offer us a chance to mediate on truth and virtue, it doesn't offer us a chance to praise God. I want my life, my entire life, my 24/7, my comings and my goings, my everything, to be God centered. I don't want to pick and choose what areas and what times God is allowed in my life. I want Him there always.
So, is there anything wrong with secular music? Some secular is clean and okay, but if it isn't centering you around God, why listen to it? I challenge you, listen to only Christian music. See the difference it makes in your heart, in your home and in your family.
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I agree and disagree. I enjoy music and can find many songs or pieces uplifting, moving, peaceful, fun, relaxing, and thank God for it. I recently discovered I enjoy disco and love that I can dance to it while washing dishes or preparing dinner. I can lay on the floor and listen to the intricacies of a symphony and be moved by the God-given talent of composer, conductor, and every musician. I love the history and stories within folk and traditional music both American and world. I could go on and on. So, I listen to what I want to, but I also listen to God. If He nudges me to turn a particular song, or even genre off, then I do. Some days I just want to soak in worship music and I do. Other days I feel like 90's country, and I enjoy that. I don't feel "empty" listening to it. Music, both religious and secular is a gift from God. However, people have exploited it and used that gift to celebrate sin. We could say the same for clothes, sex, movies, food, drink, anything in life. Little Women is a secular movie. I don't feel less Christian-like watching it as opposed to Fireproof. Of course, I wouldn't watch a sinful secular movie like The Hangover.
ReplyDeleteI used to think our lives had to be absolutely honed in to everything man deems God-based. Even considered joining the Amish! But now I think God wants us to enjoy life. Should I only knit to make sweaters for refugees? Or is it wrong to sit and knit a square for my own relaxation? Should I never spend money on a hair cut or pedicure for myself? Or should I only give to charities and missions? Should I settle for a too small, run down house and give the rest to the homeless? Is it wrong to live in a charming, adequate house?
God should be our center and the answerer of these questions and there is nothing wrong with choosing a Christian music only path. I am just saying that that doesn't necessarily mean secular music is anti-God or empty. Yes, discernment is needed, but music is a gift from God.
Kateri, I agree with some of your points. I believe that all music was created to glorify God, afterall, God Himself created it. It is humans that have taken music and twisted it. I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone singing and thought, "Man, they are gifted! If they would just use it to glorify God, think of the powerful impact they'd have for God!" I also love to listen to classical instrumental music, especially piano. I find it relaxing. And I don't think there is anything wrong with it at all.
DeleteI agree with the point of movies, as you mentioned Little Women. There are movies, clean and wholesome movies, that are entertaining and ok to watch. I am a big supporter of Christian movies, but I do still watch other movies, though I am very careful of the ratings.
Thank you so much for stopping in and sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your points!
God bless! <3