People’s musical preferences are highly influenced by their personalities, background, and sense of self; it is impossible to tell them what they should or shouldn’t like. But, there are rules for everything we do as Christians, including what we wear, [what we eat], [our careers], our life partners, and [the music we listen to].
The main guideline
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him” (Colossians 3:17) and “whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) must be the primary directives. Furthermore, Paul instructs us to “dwell on these things, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, lovely, and of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).
Not honoring God
Many popular songs focus on sex in ways that are disrespectful to God, whether through language, rhythm, or video. Instead of celebrating the beautiful unity of a husband and wife within marriage, which does not need to be on show to the public, sex is advertised as a consumer good to be enjoyed whenever, whenever, with whomever. Popular music’s primary impact on promoting negative views regarding sex and immoral sexual cravings is likely its biggest issue. Some music talks hatefully or disrespectfully about certain groups of people, or it celebrates drug use or violence.
Therefore, it is probably okay if the music we listen to honors and pleases God to the extent that we would be content for the Lord to come and sit next to us while we are enjoying our music. Additionally, music that is uplifting in tone and inspires us to worship the Lord, mature as Christians, or get closer to him is definitely appropriate for Christians.
Warning of the Holy Spirit
If you have any doubts whether the music you are listening to is suspect, or you feel a bit unhappy in listening to it, then it is very likely that the Holy Spirit is warning you to stop listening and walk away, and not engage in listening to such music. It is a well known fact that music can affect your moods, your attitudes, and your subconscious mind, and therefore your relationship with God. We are told to guard our hearts, “above all else, guard you heart for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). When we are focused on the Lord, also in our choices which music to listen to, Philippians 4:7 promises us the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
Enjoy music that honors God and lifts you up
Of course, one of the best ways to appreciate music that uplifts and respects God is to listen to Christian music, whether it be hymns, contemporary gospel, or classical music. How about you look for the music that is most appealing to God and most [good for you spiritually] instead of figuring out what you can listen to without offending him too much?
We no longer have the freedom to choose what we want to do, which makes it imperative that you handle the issue of the music you listen to or anything else you do if you want to be a strong, successful Christian. Christ is our owner, and we are to obey him. Our ability to live in harmony with God’s peace will be a reliable indicator of whether or not we made the proper choices.
