By Kristofer Gardana
I love music. I LOVE MUSIC. There, I said it. That being said, I have had to modify the type of music I listen to over the years. In high school, it was all about the harmony or melodic sound of the song. My interest was almost solely in the perfection of sound. The words of the songs were at best acknowledged and at worst ignored.
Now that I am older I have again listened to the lyrics of some of the songs of my youth only to be terrified I actually sung along and repeated lyrics I really didn’t understand at the time. I either didn’t understand or probably chose not to dwell on it because I liked the tune. How many of you pick you music based on the same basis? It is not necessarily a bad way to pick out music, but as a child of God I must choose wisely:
As a Christian, I have a duty to keep myself pure. Paul said it best: “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). Many popular songs today emphasize and elevate depraved behavior. Are we meditating on good things or evil? Are the words going to help us remain pure in mind and body? Like I said, I have had to make changes in my music selections because I realized the lyrics of some songs, although I liked the melody or beat, were promoting illicit, sinful behavior and could potentially influence my own attitude and behavior. When you make your song selections are you considering whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous, praiseworthy...does this describe the music you typically listen to? Changes may need to be made!
As a Christian, I have a duty to reflect Christ, the essence of purity and righteousness. Paul reminded Timothy “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). We represent Christ. If we are filling our mind full of filthy music, blaring it from our car speakers or cell phone, how can we make the good impact we are supposed to? Understand that you are having an impact, either for Christ or the anti-Christ. The music you listen to reflects your attitude, either condoning evil behavior or like I was doing, just not caring about the words or the corresponding example I set.
We will be held accountable for our influence. You are not an island, you are setting the example to someone. Christians have a duty to encourage good behavior, not spread bad! “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” (Matthew 18:6-7). Woe indeed! Please consider your music and its effect on you and those around you.
