Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Riding In The Car
How many of you have done this? You’re sitting in the car driving, and a song that you really like comes on. It may be an oldie, or it may be one of today’s popular tunes. You start singing along with the song while it’s playing, but you suddenly realize what the words of the song are saying. I know that happens to me all of the time. One of my favorite songs from back when I was a teenager, with all of the orchestration and everything, is basically about a one night stand. As Christians, our lives are supposed to honor and glorify God. How does listening to a song about a one-night stand do this? This brings up the topic, should a Christian listen to secular music?
Music Was Created By God
Of course we know that music was created by God, to glorify his name. Throughout the Bible, we find hymns, and psalms, and all kinds of praises lifted to God. Gospel, and Christian music is very prevalent in today’s music scene. It can help to encourage us in our daily walk, and can offer peace and comfort by reflecting and focusing on God’s Word. What about secular music though? Should we as Christians listen to it? There are some charismatic denominations if asked that question, would answer with a definite No.
Never An Issue
All my life I have listened to secular music. I grew up in a family that was strongly Christian, but listening to secular music was never an issue. My parents listened to gospel music, but they also listened to classical jazz, opera, and symphony orchestra music. When we were young, my sisters and I listened to The Jackson 5, James Brown, The Sylvers, and so on. Throughout Junior High, and High School, groups like, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Ohio Players, Barry White, Kool And The Gang, and Stevie Wonder were what my friends and I listened to. During college years, it was George Benson, Chic, The Brothers Johnson, Parliament Funkadelic, Con funk Shun, and the Isley Brothers, among many others. I never really saw a conflict in listening to secular music. I remember, after college, I got involved with a Christian drama company. The drama group was started out of one of the charismatic church dominations, where listening to secular music was frowned upon. These were the first people I knew, who thought that Christians should not listen to secular music.
What’s Wrong With Secular Music?
Why do some feel that Christians should not listen to secular music? Well, secular music often contains themes and lyrics that go against Christian values. We’re talking about anything from materialism to senseless violence to inappropriate expressions of love. Some view it as a stumbling block, where even if one song does not steer you in the wrong direction, the constant exposure might dull your spiritual sensitivity, and steer your thoughts away from focusing on Christ.
Do They All Go Against Christian Values?
“But I just like the beat, and the melody.” There are actually many Christians who can appreciate the artistry and creativity in secular music, without compromising their values. Just because a song doesn’t mention Jesus at least three times doesn’t mean it’s a bad song. Many times, secular songs carry a universal message of love, hope, and resilience. They may not be Christian, but they echo Christian principles. Also, there are many secular songs where the lyrics do not go against Christian values, and they are just fun songs, or songs that send a strong message of unity. Just think about a song like, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, or a classic like, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye.
Helps Keep Us Connected
There is also the thought that listening to secular music helps to keep us connected with the culture around us, while remembering that we’re the world, but not of it. Secular music is a part of the world that we live in. An understanding of the current music trends can provide a common ground with non-believers, helping to create relationships, which may even eventually lead to evangelism.
There Is No Right Or Wrong Answer
It’s hard to say if there is a right or wrong answer as to whether Christians should listen to secular music or not. I think it just depends on the person, and where they are in their walk with Christ. Some things to keep in mind though, is that when you are deciding what music to listen to, does the message bring you closer to God, or further away. How can you make sure that your music choices align with your faith? One thing is to pray about it, asking for God’s guidance and wisdom in this area. Also, you can discuss this with Christian friends, as they may be able to offer new perspectives on this subject. You may find that you want to avoid all secular music, or maybe just certain genres of secular music. Maybe you just want to be selective about secular songs that resonate with themes such as love, hope, and resilience.
Make Sure You Are Honoring God
Ultimately, combining your music choices with faith is about honoring God in all areas of our lives, recognizing that every choice should contribute to a deeper relationship with Him. Let him lead you and guide you in this area, as we learn to submit all areas of our lives to him.
Pic Of The Post
The picture of this post is all about surrendering to God. It is about taking up our cross and following Christ. As we do this, he will continue to show us areas in our lives that we need to submit to him. To view this picture, just click on the “Pic Of The Post” link. Feel free to leave any questions or comments.