Q on Christians and Music
Q: I am a newer believer and need advice on what secular or worldly music is acceptable or if I should throw it all away and never look back.
A: Thinking about some of the advice people give on the topic of music and the Christian... thinking wayyy back and to even now...
Lyrics in 60s to 90s you had no clue what many song lyrics were. Yea it is English 😅 but a lot of times it sounded like a diff word. Once cd's had lyrics printed in them or in later internet era years (after 2007) we were able to look up lyrics and 😱.
Some liked the songs so they changed the lyrics, but that doesnt really work. And you are being swayed by the song like demonic sirens enticing you.
We notice most secular songs we liked were the music sound not the lyrics. It is also why many like foreign music. There's vocal tones but music sounds nice. But theres caution.
Even with "Christian music" today we have to be really cautious because many are written by churches or popular people that are heretical in their beliefs. [*& we don't want to give them money to grow bigger and more influential over youth or weak believers].
We also don't have a culture of karaoke where 99% of songs have instrumental song avail too. Otherwise we likely wouldn't listen to those lyrical songs. We wouldnt be listening to the Artist but the music Producer, so most US music has no instrumental option... unless you make a playlist on yt of "covers" and hope they dont get deleted.
On a related note and in connection to the importance of the music being honoring to God, not using sensual or hip hop styles in worship music in Church...
We need to be careful between earthly desires and godly inner life that follows the Lord.
I used to think until recently that some secular music is okay. Check the lyrics for foul words or blasphemy and if it was pretty "clean" then it is okay, and even so called hip hop Christian music...but after looking deeper into idolatry, rebellious attitudes, self and adultery in contexts presented in Scripture, we need to be very cautious. Guard our hearts because worldly sin nature desires of pride, self, idolatry, adultery etc could very well be in the lyrics and overall, but also popping out in the style of background music, (pride/boastful beats) that leads us astray to sin in our hearts and inner self in every song we let into our ears. Satan's children live in and love sin so they sing about it, and like sirens entice people into temptations (internally as well as in behavior).
If you listen to some be very picky and weed out the clearly worldly ones.
It isnt really about Christian liberty but our hearts and our submission to God, that we put away the sinful things.
What to set our hearts and minds on:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Finally, brothers, 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.
Phil. 4:4,9
Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Armor of God:
Ephesians 6:10-17: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the deceptions of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having your loins girded with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
And note we need to remember that not all "Christian" music is biblical or by Christians. The artist can be in a false religion, or a cult, or even hold unbiblical beliefs in important essential matters, incl the biblical gospel, so we need to vet them as well.
Plus, if your children gain access to or hear that secular music its lyrics and worldview are making its way into their hearts and minds, so where possible (99%-100%) throw it away. It is best for our hearts and minds and thoughts to be focused on Christ, who is our Savior, new life, and has put a new song in our hearts.
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