i mean if there’s nothing wrong with it then it’s not wrong period. we do things in our life daily that’s not wrong or doesn’t have real benefits to us lol
This is brilliant because it also applies in the reverse order: if a "Christian" song has an unbiblical and deceitful message, it doesn't matter if it belongs to the genre of "worship songs", you shouldn't listen to it any more than you should listen to secular music with a bad message.
“Sometimes it troubles me, the number of people that can quote my songs or other artists, but they can’t quote the scriptures. As if anything a musician says is even worth listening to…” -Rich Mullins
I would say that music is easier to repeat because it is to music, if the scripture was put to music it would be easier to repeat (and some of it is supposed to be)
My taste in music has totally changed, and it didnt happen because I wanted to make a change, God did it. He refined my spirit. I stopped watching TV too. It's really weird, but Hes doing a mighty work in me, and I'm along for the ride, praising Him, and I'm loving every minute of it!
TV lied by claiming yoghurt bars are "healthier" than Kitkats when in reality it's vice versa, Monosodium glutamate is 3 times healthier than salt, plus sometimes TV news would pick up a man in his 50s or 60s to look down at the youth (Gen Z hate included)
Most people who have been changed by Christ, end up eventually listening to some kind of Christian or worship music. (happened to me & I used to love the most explicit rap & hip-hop for like 20 yrs--I haven't watched TV or movies, either, for around 6 years)
Exactly right. The message is what matters. I play music six days a week now and over the years as my convictions have become stronger, I've changed my set list drastically to include only songs with messages I think God would abide
My guess is that he worded that point weirdly. "Bach or Beethoven" frames the two composers in a dichotomy: you either embrace the grace of Bach's music or secularity of Beethoven. Later on Mike thought "That's ridiculous: they're both great! Beethoven is nowhere near as secular as modern genres of music. Even then, it's the lyrics that matter." Which I'd have to disagree with: both grace _and_ lyrics matter. But that's just my two cents.
Even better when Bach is sung by positive Christian believers. Then it becomes living testimony. You can see it on some singers faces - the joy of singing about Jesus.
God encouraged me about 2 months ago to cleanse from secular music && it has changed my life. I never realized the emotional influence I was under - a lot of the artist I listened to were the reason for my depression, anxiety, hopelessness && spiritual isolation. The lyrics had me paralyzed && damaged my spirit. God knew exactly what I needed to eliminate so I could walk freely in His presence rather than being influenced by emotions && constantly hurting myself. Be careful with lyrics - some lyrics are meant to keep you in bondage.
"Some lyrics are meant to keep you in bondage" Interesting 🤔. Could you please elaborate on this. Are saying that if one is going through depression and the lyrics in a song are depressing that that plays a part in keeping you depressed in some way? I'm just asking to clarify and be sure.
@@CLDJ227 yes absolutely! Here’s an example from Wasting Angels by Post Malone, “Devil on my back, so I sleep on my chest…I mixed my drink with a couple of drugs” if you are depressed then these lyrics will affirm your emotions && your emotions will manipulate you into thinking this is your truth. When you understand the power of words && what scripture says about words being life or death…what you conceive in your spirit will effect what you receive in your mind && what you perceive as truth.
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same. God bless Gabriel
@@Manofprayer2 True! Also, I’m not sure if I’m right or not, but I think a person who is creating music might be channeling the spirits into the music (depending on what spirit they’re dealing with in their own life). Because the enemy is using us as vessels if we have open doors in our lives, as well as God can use us as vessels if we allow Him, but that’s what we are - vessels for God, or from the enemy. I also think that a Christian can be a vessel for the enemy, because although we have the Holy Spirit, we are made of three parts - spirit, soul, and body. Although our spirit is redeemed, the soul can still be affected (if a person is demon possessed, the demons dwell in the soul, not the spirit or the body). If the music is worshipping God, then I think it could be considered as music for the spirit. All the other songs (even if they have neutral lyrics) are songs for the soul, and I would be careful with soul-ish things, because we don’t really know what spirits might be there. I know it sounds religious or “too much”, for most Christians, but those who go deeper will understand
agreed. If you cant control yourself to the point where music is dictating your life, then yes. If you have accepted gods love then you can easily listen to anything without taking it to heart. God doesnt condemn those who listen to secular music whether it be rap or bach. Its those who make it their identity, those who allow it to enslave them that shall end up in gehenna.
@@kardzYT David said let everything that has breath worship God. If you can listen to music that worships and praises God why not? Then why would you also substitute that for something that doesn’t praise God. Makes no sense.
“If the message is wicked” Great wording there. Some music is hard to nail down whether that’s the case, but lots of music today is painfully obvious that it’s wicked and full of sin and temptation. Thanks for making this and giving your 2 cents on it
in my first confession, i asked the priest a question and i mentioned that i knew all secular music was evil, he calmly said to me, in a not rude manner, "no it isnt". i had abandoned so much music that i liked because i thought it was all evil. driving home that evening, i listened to some really great songs that i hadnt heard in a long time.
but why did ur decision to listen come from a priest and not the word of God.? Why didn’t u ask what does the Word of God say abt this instead of a priest?
@@Selameta-i3g show me where the Scripture says explicitly what is considered as evil music. And considering the priest is a priest of God, I can consult him as my spiritual advisor.
@@ArashiNoSeito my point was we should consult the word of God for all answers and not a priest. If you consult a priest, you should ask reference from the Bible before following their advice.
@@ArashiNoSeito if am not mistaken, they have the written laws etc. Regardless, we have a Bible now that we must follow not the priests. Even this video itself, Mike shared his conviction. We all must search the Word and make our own decisions. We shouldn’t do it just because he said it.
You’ve got a friend in me 🎶 😂 True though. I had to step away from secular music entirely for a while. Now I’m at the point where I can clearly know what to listen to or not, secular or not.
I think we all go through different seasons and especially as an early Christian you may need to go through a detox period, kinda like a spiritual rehab. Then after you have grown stronger in your faith and have a better understanding, you will have the proper discernment through the Holy Spirit.
When my husband and I turned back to God we deleted most of our secular music because it was associated with our sinful past. We don't think it's inherently sinful but we are growing in our walk with God and are being made new, in that process of refinement we had to let all our idols go. For my husband an idol was music. It was like a part of him. He even put up posters of led zeppelin. He took those down and put up Christian posters.
Right, sometimes things aren't inherently evil but they can be associated with sin. It's not wrong to cut these things out, in fact I believe it's encouraged
Yep, when I really started to come to Christ, I started listening to more christian music. My fave band was Queen and yes, I may have idolized them in a sense. Now, I just listen to christian music, because I feel for me it's just more beneficial at this time for myself.
I agree with your stance. Rock music is spellbinding even if the lyrics are not inherently evil. It opens the door to an antiChrist spirit. Look at all the rock stars whose lives were ruined by alcohol and drugs with many of them dying. I listen only to Christ exalting music, (no “Christian” rock or rap), nothing else compares!
I was praying and fasting in Nevada and I told God I wasn't feeling it, I was down and a little depressed. I awake in the morning and 3 little sparrows landed on my van, one on the windshield wiper, one in side mirror, and one on my antenna. I say nice God's little creatures and didn't think twice. A few hours later I had an epiphany, THREE LITTLE BIRDS, by Bob Marley, which I new how to play on my acoustic guitar. DON'T WORRY ABOUT A THING CAUSE EVERY THING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT ROSE UP THIS MORNING RISE WITH THE MORNING SUN THREE LITTLE BIRDS PERCHED ON MY DOOR STEP SINGING SWEET SONGS OF MELODIES PURE AND TRUE THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO YOU...oooooh DONT WORRY I Said thks Lord and jammed the tune on my guitar.❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😂
I’ve been really blessed by Bob Marley’s tunes. I sometimes have to re-imagine them in my head to be less Rasta and more Christian but mostly it works. Lol
As a child I was taught “If it’s not uplifting God, you shouldn’t be listening to it.” And I would think to myself “What about the ABC song, Old McDonald, THE MUFFIN MAN!?!?” It was confusing to me as a child. My children listen to “secular music” now. The phonics song and lots of Frozen songs lol
@@Meshuga63 I think it's crazy how the most popular song in Frozen undermines even the message of the film itself. Elsa's arc is that she realizes she can't live an individualistic and isolated life, refusing the help and company of others (let it go), and that love and community are better.
tbh, I listen to a lot of Christian artists, even if their music isn't necessarily Christian, but I listen to a few bands that are definitely not Christian, but little do they realize that I find a Christian parallel to the things they sing about most of the time. Truth reveals itself in secular life, because it's true... and finding those parallels is what helps solidify my faith.
Typical, seems like you're making an excuse like most. No doubt we all have our struggles, and we should continually work to be free from them all, not to work to justify them instead.
@@Mojo32 “secular” isn’t always evil. There are plenty of songs that don’t glorify sex, drugs, money, and things of the sort, don’t use bad language and have a positive tone. How can that be bad?
Your goal should not be able to justify your worldly loves, but it makes sense I guess because it is evident that you're still of the world. As the modern "christians" like to say, "it's okay, you can live your truth."
If it leads to temptation, if it invokes old sinful thoughts, if it sows seeds leading into temptation, if it contains speech ungodly and of no benefit to your upbringing in holiness, if it lack any character reflecting God, if it sparks thoughts that exalt themselves above the knowledgeof God, if it changes who God is in your sight, if it goes against the messageof the Bible, if it profanes the things of God, if it changes who God is building you up to be.... reject it.
It also just doesn't sound good. There are some incredible Christian artists, but most Christian music is just nails on a chalk board. It's sad, because if we're to dedicate music to God it ought to be well created.
@@johnperic6860yes. Like that saccharin stuff in charismatic churches where they raise their hands. If it works for them, ok. But i just find the annoying.
Who said anything about questioning their faith? Bro is talking about questioning the content of the music. Would you eat a delicious pie if you knew it had even just a little bit of poison in it, or would you opt for the pie that you know has no poison in it, but is actually healthy for you?
Has nothing to do with your faith, and there is absolutely nothing wrong or even controversial about what he said. Even Non-Christians can agree that listening to songs with negative content (drugs, sex, and alcohol) is not good for you
I hope you hold the same position about a song filled with lyrics glorifying domestic abuse or cheating on your partner. Cos it's just music like you said.
As a Filipino, I can I easily pick a secular song that doesn't contain obscure and rude music. Filipino message is about love, friendship and happiness
I agree. About 17 or 18 years ago, the Lord drew me away from all secular music. He wanted to get my attention and apply my songwriting and singing efforts toward writing worship music for Him. It was an awesome season of Him showing me how important it is to guard what goes into my eyes, ears, and even mouth. Since, He has allowed me to listen to secular music with indifferent or uplifting messages.
I've found that he did the same for me, only in movies and stories I watch. At one point I stopped watching anything at all, and was only reading the Bible. I am thankful to God everyday that he did. I regret nothing because God is my everything and I love him with my whole heart for all his goodness and love and kindness. I want to be profitable to him and make my life about him at all times. He is great and greatly to be praised in the habitation of his saints.
@@xavierthomas5835 the other thing about music is that He speaks to me through lyrics. One time I was perusing the cookies and sweets aisle at the grocery store, and I heard "walk on by".
"Amen! My God, glory to God. God is so dope a d sweet. That's one of my all time songs, I never get tired of it. I know we will enjoy this beautiful, gorgeous, sweet ,clean soul music in Heaven when we get their. Next to classic Gospel, old school soul is my favorite music I listen to the second most. Never do I grow weary of the tunes, I grew up on them. Very dope, cool story. I just luh that, that is so sweet. God is so sweet, He is the sweetest. I love 💖 Him, praise Him and obsess over Him. " Black jesus 777
Yes! I think the message is the most important, But Also be careful of the beat, sometimes if the sound and beat makes you ignore the message, and causes your flesh to rise up with unholy desires that sound should be avoided as well.
I had the same realization! I do still avoid most music put out by people who don’t love Jesus, only because music used to be a strong gateway to bad worldviews for me.
Mike, I have an angle on this from how I was brought up. My dad refused to let me listen to anything but Classical music because he was convinced that secular music was full of sex and violence. But then I listened to some opera, and let me tell you: opera can be full of adultery, sex, and violence as well, but it's all in Italian. So really, the message can be good or bad regardless of what genre the music is in.
My dad is much the same way. And as a kid it really messed me up cause I'm supposed to obey him, so how can I worship God with a contemporary song when my dad says no? But sadly, in his pursuit of purity, he becomes snobbish, proud and stubborn, and legalistic. There has to be grace and balance involved.
That's honestly really funny. I do think that opera is more of a storytelling genre of music, so I imagine adultery and violence are usually not shown in a positive light, and that's OK (the Bible has those things as well, obviosuly without condoning them). I'm not used to classical opera, but I'm reminded of a rock opera like Ayreon's The Human Equation, which is a beautiful album about a victim of adultery choosing to forgive.
I did this exact same thing! Broke all my tapes n records when I was like 14 but I e always gone back n forth in my head about this! I Love Christian music, I also love country, rock, & some pop. But u r absolutely correct I believe! It’s what where taking in and praising out loud about! We need to be aware of the lyrics we’re putting in our thoughts and getting into, it can be hard at x, because we don’t always know the writer’s intentions or what some songs r even saying ? Not always sure if it is neutral or intentional ? Discernment is key, I know I need a lot of help n prayers for more discernment in all my choices! We all do I’m sure
I also think it's important to look to the music artist you're listening to. Sometimes the message of the song isn't wicked but if you watch the music video it can be surprising to see what they're showing. Just a thought 🤷🏼♂️
I think this is good as well. Some of the beats and music are actually made to destroy as well. Kind of like mind programming and frequencies used. Repetitive sounds are used for mind control.
By that argument, none of us should read psalms because David committed adultery with Bathsheba. Every artist whether secular or gospel has some dishonorable past.
@@francisco6969 I disagree, David was a believer, and we all sin. An unbeliever doesn’t have a heart for God so they don’t make music that pleases him. And if a believer makes a song that dishonors God, that song is a bad song.
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same. God bless Gabriel
@@Ethanthesharkganne Heaven is a place of worship. Everyone will be singing and playing instruments. The devil was the worship leader, the one below God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in Heaven. Now, that he has fallen he uses his skills in music to worship himself instead and to influence others to worship him through music and rituals. That's why so many of these pop-culture celebrities sell their souls to the devil. Amen
Thankfully I've never cared about lyrics, so most of the stuff that I listen to is only instrumental, therefore I am able to assign and associate my preferred subject matter to it without having to compromise anything. God Bless everyone who may be struggling with this issue. The fact that there is an inner struggle, shows the work of the holy spirit in you. Keep growing in faith and in Christ!
That last point is so very important. As a fledgling Christian, I had SO much anxiety when I felt convicted over something, going into mental self-flagellation mode. That obviously wasn't what God wanted of me. Now when I feel that inner struggle, I thank Him for giving me His Spirit so that the struggle can happen at all! Those pre-Jesus believers must have had a heck of a time, trying to follow all those rules. I wouldn't have made it.
I've only just recently gotten back into listening to instrumental music and I'm learning, or rather applying, that God is in every sound and that it's really an invitation for me to fill the sound with whatever he is to me. My love and my life and my praise and the rejoicing of my heart. I love you and God bless you beloved child of God
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same. God bless Gabriel
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ... honest... just, ... pure, ... lovely, ... of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. " Philippians 4:8-9
I’m right with you. I became a Christian in my senior year of high school and had Christian friends that told me to trash all my secular music and only listen to Christian music. When my wife and I were dating I talked her into doing the same. We’ve been married 30 years and over the course of those years my views changed and are pretty much identical to what you just said. Today my wife teases me saying “you made me throw away some good music!!!” 😂
@@i7Qp4rQ It's a catchy memory earworm that draws attention to the show it's associated with. It's designed to be addictive and memorable. It's catered towards Little children to get them to continually tune in to the show. In short, it's a jingle.
@@i7Qp4rQ I thought it was rather comical too. After all, how many parents are driven nuts by Baby Shark. LOL The same thing worked well with Barney too.
Genuinely curious here... What would you say the message of music is that does not have any words? (Classical or otherwise) Or did you mean, all music with words is delivering a message? Not trying to nitpick, just really curious!
That's exactly where I am with this now, 14 years into my walk. But you need to let people's consciences guide them. I think that for the sake of my own spiritual safety, I needed to steer clear of much secular music for many years, music that I can enjoy now, no problem. There's no hard and fast rule here. Spirit guides us where we need to go.
Amen and amen. Wheresoever we are lead we go. At the same time, we are sometimes pushed further by the faith of others like with those who were friends and family of Paul while he was locked up. They were incited to greater shows of preaching the word and boldness to preach because they saw he was willing and undisturbed to suffer for Christ in jail. It didn't stop him or discourage him at all. So we walk a fine line, to spread the good news pf our liberality and to suppress the idea that these things are for everyone. Let them know, but don't push them, that's God's job.
I listen to a lot of instrumental music like improv jazz or orchestra type music. That can be good to listen to too. Who knew Japan had an explosion of jazz in the 70s?
Is it a depressing song about a lived one dying or a depressing song as I'm "I can't go on any longer" there's plenty of sad songs that don't have a wicked message. Amd feeling sad and greif is a natural human emotion. It's what ypu do with that emotion that can make it wicked or not.
As above, I can't see how that would be a problem, unless you listen to that so much that it makes you depressed or furthers your depression. I would suggest it might be more helpful to listen to something else.
That's a great question. As someone who loves sad songs, I think the morals of the song can be good or bad regardless of it being positive and uplifting or sad and introspective. For example, Happy Returns from Steven Wilson is a super sad song which actually has a poignant message about cherishing your loved ones, while I think some of his other songs have messages full of hopelessness that I don't feel comfortable with.
I understand the conflicts of classical music. Many people from that time engaged in esoteric behavior and some claimed to make deals with demons for their talent.
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same. God bless Gabriel
@@lkae4 You have to be aware of the facetiousness of your comment I'm sure you know just like with how we can tailor our music we can tailor who we watching are subscribed to on RUclips
@@chenanigans listen to Christian music at max. Because not even all Christian music is good already, imagine looking outside of Christian music. It’s too much hassle. Focus on finding good Spiritual Christian Biblical songs, from people who are Holy full of fire, in the Spirit. The Devil is out there to deceiver Christians. Be aware. He wastes your time, and kills you if he has the chance. He wants to prevent Christian’s from being saved. He wants out lives not their. We belong to Jesus, and we need to act like it. Being full of power. Amen
It makes me think of Black Sabbath "Children of the grave". A very rythmic sound I play with my band, and I was wondering if it beared some "satanic " connotation. Then I took some time to read the lyrics and I changed my mind. "So, you children of the world Listen to what I say If you want a better place to live in Spread the word today Show the world that love is still alive, you must be brave"
I absolutely fell in love with sabbath as a teenager, and I still listen to them from time to time. As I’ve gotten older Im finding that many of their songs have really great lyrics that are pro god or warn against evil
I was in and out of Los Angeles a lot from 2014-2017 and I sat in quite a few AA meetings about 4 feet from Ozzy every day. He is an extremely polite and kind person. Very gracious and soft spoken.
Some "Christian Music" has a heretical message. Why would that surprise us? The great deceiver deceives. Don't go on a crusade, be intentional, live your faith. Don't over think or under think it, think intelligently, spiritually and be sensitive to the effect on you. Don't confuse being calm and intentional with being complacent. Nuff said
To the pure, all things are pure. This means that even if a song fell into the group of secular music, unless it’s lyrics are blasphemous, wicked, evil, or immoral -then it’s simply a song. In some instances there are secular songs, written about Love, that glorify Jesus. Especially when a listener understands that the type of love being expressed, could only originate through Jesus. I have many secular songs on my playlist that bring me to a place of worship. _my baptist friends don’t understand._
“Secular music” as you put it can tell stories and convey pain in a way that I haven’t seen Christian music do. So many of my favorite bands talk about the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, being back-stabbed in a relationship and how they deal with it, it makes you feel like you’re not going through those feelings alone. I’m sure that there is some Christian music that shares similar messages but I find that the overall message is always to seek out god and put faith in him.
"Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes it's laws". Andrew Fletcher I heard that quote. The words we sing are very important in our walk with God.
I would say that a large chunck of secular music (especially pop) is influenced by evil. But as a trained musician, it pains me to hear someone conflate Bach and Mozart with the generalized term ‘secular music.’ Even if it’s in a retrospective way. To say that is just as silly as saying “it’s just music” about a Lil Nas X song.
I grew up in an agnostic family and developed a taste for rock/metal - converted last year and my tastes have changed for the most part, but then I discovered the band Theocracy - if anyone here also has a taste for those genres I highly suggest "I AM" and Mosaic. They are a very unique blend of beauty, the more powerful attributes of there genre, and worship
Question: If the message must be "positive," what constitutes a "positive message"? I know a lot of music that I enjoy is often dark or contemplative, but there's a catharsis in that. For example, the song "Audience of One" by Rise Against is about losing connections as you grow older, a fear I'm sure everyone experiences. The song provides a bit of relief from that feeling by confronting it. It's a positive effect from a song without a positive message. And what about negative songs that are depicting or about a character? Would listening to something like "Be Prepared" from the Lion King be forbidden as Scar is a villain with an evil intent?
I think "bad" music would just have to be anything that promotes sin and helps nourish our sinful nature. I also enjoy listening to a lot of dark themed music, but definitely nothing that feels like it's embracing evil.
@@ldmassey I agree. I listen to a lot of rock and metal that conveys themes of loss, pain and shame, which are things that everyone goes through. But I wont listen to anything that promotes evil, like the worst of metal does.
It doesn’t have to be positive. Honestly, Christian culture wrongly conflates being positive with being godly as if David didn’t write many depressing and sometimes angry psalms and as if Jesus was Mr. Sunnyside. Be negative. Mourn the sin in the world. But do it with purpose and with a hope that the world doesn’t have.
I listen to so much music in foreign languages, so the message literally does not matter because I can’t understand it. I feel this way about a lot of music, the lyrics just don’t mean anything to me. It’s a shame, but so much of “Christian” music is just so generic and poor, from a musical standpoint. There’s so much great music out there, especially outside of America.
@@biscuit1388 So much truth in a single comment... A lot of christian music nowadays is just, like, rock ballads and such... Not a lot of variety for a normal person, really.
This is why I had to delete most of my music 😔 some people couldn't understand my reason but it's because it was an idol and most of the messages were keeping me enslaved to my emotions. I needed to depend more on God to be closer to Him. It was also wavering my faith
You love metal? If you love the world or the things of this world, the love of the father is not in you. 1 john 2:15-17 You can have your metal or you can have the Kingdom of God. Pick one.
@@sffsf81 Friend this is an unnecessarily condemning response. Not everything in the world is sinful. If someone said he loved listening to the rain, would you tell him he was choosing the sound of rainfall over God? Surely not, I would hope. Loving a particular type of sound is not intrinsically antithetical to loving God.
Same thing for modern Christian praise songs. People shouldn't over-generalize to say all modern praise music is too self-focused, rather take each song by song and discern from there.
I could not imagine any music more holy, pure, glorious, graceful, thankful, majestic, deep, moving, sorrowful, loving, beautiful than Bach. It seems to me that everything Bach wrote was for God and purpose to praise God, show ability that God has given to him to glorify God.
Music has no moral component, but lyrics can be evil. Music alone has emotional components and stirs up certain moods and ideas in people, so it has to be used wisely and appropriately, but its not evil ever.
I enjoy a lot of electronic music, edm, trance, synthwave, etc. and one thing I particularly love about it is that there are few lyrics to worry about. However, there have been some that use demonic imagery, and I try to weed those out. There have been a few songs that sound awesome but I sadly have to remove them from my playlists due to unfortunate lyrics. Also, I should note that some dark imagery doesn't appear to be demonic, so just because there's a red hellscape on the album doesn't mean that it is necessarily evil. It probably is, but thats not a guarantee.
I almost got legalistic with the type of Christian music I allowed myself to listen to! While I may not always agree with the wording of the lyrics 100% of the time, I let my conscience decide whether or not to listen to certain music. If it violates my conscience, I avoid that song, and I try to support Christian artists with listening to the songs that don't violate my conscience. The same basic thing goes for secular music. There is some secular music I just like and it doesn't violate my conscience or the bible, so I listen from time to time. I am so thankful for the freedom we have in Christ 💓 I can enjoy music to His glory. I thank Him for the music and the artists that produce music that is clean for me to listen to.
Earlier when I got Saved, I shunned Jazz music, not because it had wicked lyrics but because the lives of Jazz musicians involved smoking, drugs, drinking etc. Later on I came to understand that the lives of Classical, Rock &Roll and Country musicians were not any purer or holier. Thats when music became neutral for me and not an offense to my Creator God.
What if we listen to music with a negative message but don’t let it hinder our relationship to god. AKA we don’t necessarily support the message we just like the sound. Is that ok?
i agree! i had a friend who “only listens to christian music” but some of that music isn’t necessarily glorifying God even though it was produced by and marketed as christian. one of the artists we both listen to made a christmas song, but instead of it being about the miracle of Jesus’s birth, it was about not fighting because it’s christmas. which any artist could have sung the song and it wouldn’t really change it. like it talks about santa more than Jesus. and you could get the same message by saying “because we are christians we should put aside our differences and celebrate the miraculous birth of our savior.” but it’s focused on jesus and not on the traditions of man. also i’m not saying the message of the song is wrong or wicked, but that it is not about christ just because it has christmas in the name, and it shouldn’t be advertised as a new christian song. another thing, i’m a bass player (although i’m still learning). christian music is almost too easy for bass players, and so it’s hard to grow my talent if i’m stuck with playing only christian music. i think christians should be mindful about what they watch and listen to, but that doesn’t mean cutting out all but one genre . or telling your friends that you won’t listen to charlie puths new song because you “only listen to christian music.” like listen to the song, if you have a problem with the artist or the lyrics, bring it up to your friend in a loving manner. there’s a good chance that the song isn’t even bad.
He who the spirit leads to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, let him not eat, and vice versa etc. Music choice is definitely on this list. Some more mature can listen to basically whatever, and manage to not let it effect their spirit(or the spirit doesn't pull them away from it, without judicial hardening). On the other hand, anyone who feels lead to abstain MUST. There's not that many sins like this, where it depends on who you are and how the spirit is leading you, but if such sins exist then this is one of them. I think we can all agree that music affects different people in different ways, and this can also be true for overindulgence in a type of music. For me, it feels wrong to listen to sexually explicit music, but I don't feel anything negative when listening to purposefully cartoonishly evil things, songs that are not meant to be taken seriously, such as A Little piece of Heaven by avenged sevenfold. I still would not like to listen to this music all the time, but when I'm feeling in a particularly spooky mood a7x fits pretty well.
This is, I think, exactly right. I think this applies to eating so-called prohibited foods, drinking alcohol, and things like music, movies, and games (entertainment). Still, one ought to be discerning, of good judgement, and ask themselves periodically if God would be pleased with their behavior. God does permit some things which are displeasing to Him, but partaking of such things may indicate a hard heart.
@@Real_LiamOBryan Yup, you got the half I missed. If you have this sort of "whatever mayen, I don't think God cares what I watch" then you might just have poor discernment or a hard heart. It's a tough thing to describe to less mature Christians, but if you have a healthy relationship with Christ it almost seems intuitive. For plenty of Christians don't drink anything at all, but since I don't have an alcohol addiction, I am fine having a single beer or two every couple of weeks. On the other hand, I have an issue with more visual "adult material", thus I can't walk "up to that line", I have to flee far from it.
When I was younger, I fought my family for years to understand this. My preferred music at the time was classical and movie scores, and my family had the attitude that if it wasn't expressly "Christian" then it was "evil." I came home from work one day and my sister had destroyed dozens of my classical CD collection. Thankfully, they've grown out of this belief.
I do want to share, that though not all of it is “evil” it was one of the things The Lord had me toss out. I amassed a playlist that was +4000 songs strong, if it sounded good, I had it, all genres. Now I just want to amass as Much Christian music that is Christ-centric, Full of the word and Holy Spirit filled. The toss out, was pivotal, incredibly painful, but to this day remains one of those things I thank Jesus Christ for. ❤
I was taught since a young age to do this very thing. Now when I was growing up my parents made sure I listened to nothing but Christian Music. However since I have been out of my parent's house I have been more okay with listening to songs that aren't negative or have bad messages. I still listen to a majority of Christian artists though. Bands like Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Disciple will always be my go to's.
I discovered so much freedom when I learned that music itself is amoral: there's nothing inherently moral or immoral about music. Now I can listen to songs I enjoy when the lyrics are true, honorable, just, etc.
Amen!! My experience also!! I love how Holy Spirit guides and teaches us!! Hallelujah! When I listen to music, the Spirit teaches me to discern AND has even used certain secular lyrics to speak to me in the moment. It can be a quite BEAUTIFUL and INTIMATE moment communing in the Spirit. ❤
what of Palms or Job. some days we feel that way. Some days are just bad. Music is an expression of how we feel and to not acknowledge our feelings is to ignore an enormous part of the Bibles teaching. If something in the music resonates with you, but also had the message in contrast to the hope of Christ, there’s is a sign to dig deeper, find the source of your hurt, express it, walk through the pain. Sometimes you can’t just ignore it and bury it under a worship song. God is using it to bring you back❤ God meets you where you are
Lmao, I was called "Emo" for actually listening to the words and the message of the song when I was younger. It's funny that doing it got me made fun of and now I am being told to do it. 😆 That being said, it's strange cuz I don't enjoy music the way I used to. (I still like it, but it was my life at one loooong point before being saved) God has granted me discernment when it comes to music and it's lyrics. Songs I used to enjoy ring hollow when you can discern the place of origin in it's lyrics. I don't know how to explain without giving examples, and I don't want to offend people by tearing down their fave song or artist. But where a song was a beautiful and catchy let's-stick-together-type song in my past, now I am hearing the "please, I know we have an extremely unhealthy relationship, but I'm afraid to be alone" message behind it. Or a fun girl-empowerment song sounds like a "I have zero integrity, please validate me". Even christian songs aren't immune I hear the "I threw a bunch of spiritual sounding phrases together cuz the people that pay me say I need 3 more songs to make an album" I thank God for it, because music seems to skip your head and go straight to your heart, and my heart was WAAAY too into some pretty shady messages. Though it's not always convenient, cuz I still like the songs! 😄
Black Sabbath - After Forever Lyrics Have you ever thought about your soul can it be saved? Or perhaps you think that when you're dead you just stay in your grave Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you? Is Christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school? When you think about death do you lose your breath or do you keep your cool? Would you like to see the Pope on the end of a rope do you think he's a fool? Well I have seen the truth, yes I've seen the light and I've changed my ways And I'll be prepared when you're lonely and scared at the end of our days Could it be you're afraid of what your friends might say If they knew you believe in God above? They should realize before they criticize That God is the only way to love Is your mind so small that you have to fall In with the pack wherever they run Will you still sneer when death is near And say they may as well worship the sun? I think it was true it was people like you that crucified Christ I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced Will you be so sure when your day is near, say you don't believe? You had the chance but you turned it down, now you can't retrieve Perhaps you'll think before you say that God is dead and gone Open your eyes, just realize that he's the one The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate Or will you still jeer at all you hear, yes I think it's too late
@GraceAsher I avoided many mainstream (secular) christian influenced bands and "Christian," music in general. So my son listens to Sevendust and didn't realize the Christian influenced until I pointed it out. I actually prefer 60s and 70s music... I introduced him to an 80s band called Stryper
@GraceAsher thanks, I try. Mom listened to freedom rock and gospel, dad listened to old country, bluegrass and some rock and roll. I will say that growing up, my main music choices and preferences were Heavy metal and punk rock. I liked the anti-establishment lyrics, ones that expose the corruption, ones that make you want to stand against the evil that pervades society. That was the draw of the lyrics that I was reaching for, only to find God's law already written on my heart.
Pay attention to how you feel influenced.....If after/during the music you want to run out and sin, then it's not music you need to listen to. I know guys who claim Christianity but turn around and play worldy rap videos with half naked women while clearly objectifying their bodies and encouraging lust. I call foul!
@@justjosie8963 true words sister. The fruit of our doings is the most important thing. Let us walk so as to not give offense in anything we do. Yet if we offend in a good thing, let none speak evil of our good doing. God bless you sister
I like to listen to anime openings sometimes and occasionally I'll check the translation just to be sure it's nothing sketchy and the messages in the full songs used for the anime openings are really positive with some talking about something actiony like fighting back to back and others being sad talking about their will carrying on even if they die. Quite beautiful.
W taste my friend! Have you heard mashel op2? It's very fun! Also fmab op 1&2 yuyu hakusho and hunter x hunter have awesome op songs! I listen to more anime op songs than u watch anime (:
Went through this phase too where I was completely against listening to any secular music. That was when I was like 18/19. It was wrong to think in extremes like that. It really is about the message and whether the songs are morally sound. That said, I had idolized a band I liked for years without realising. God had to open my eyes to that and I had to put it away. I would spend much of my day listening to their stuff, watching videos and chatting on social media about them. When I started drawing close to God I was compelled to take down their posters, changed the background and ring tone on my phone, my phone case - their mark was almost everywhere. I was in WAY too deep.
Normally when I listen to secular music, I focus more on the beats and the notes played rather than in depth meaning of the song, it helps to not get dragged into it.
"Christian Music" is like Christian medicine, aerobics, or pilots lessons. They don't exist. Only the message or messenger can be Christian There is no spiritual Bb chord and secular D minor. Music is thus amoral though it has intrinsic powers. Music also has association applications. We don't sing hymns at the ball park.
Some lyrics are really golden. 1. You can't get what you want; til you know what you want. (Healthy relationships, for example) 2. Love will find a way; if you want it to. (Don't give up on learning, patience with others) 3. Just what you want to be; you will be in the end. (regarding character)
This is incredibly insightful.. it’s all resonance based.. there are certain moments that call for influences that either bring you up or level you by grounding you back to equilibrium and health.
For me, it also depends on whether ‘the message’ has an influence on me. Listen to a lot of music that doesn’t have a message I agree with but I still do because it sounds good and I can ignore it, or because it helps me to understand the artist and the human experience they are expressing.
“Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” -Andrew Fletcher The message behind this is so true. Music is so influencial to us humans.
By this standard, you're missing out on a lot of music that speaks to the human condition.. If you are only willing to expose yourself to positive messages from culture, you're missing out on the areas of human experience that need the Gospel.. I'm thinking of angsty grunge, violent hip hop, etc... Not that all music should be on your playlist, but not all human expression is positive. We live in a sin tainted world and people often express their struggle with it through music.. Exposing yourself to that might help you understand how to love and pray for the people it speaks to.
Totally agree with your logical conclusion. Unfortunately not everyone can/will think so logically on a continual basis so then here comes the slippery slope arguement.
Most people are not equipped to know what is good or what is bad for them. This is the purpose of rules. Either equip them with the necessary ability to decipher for themselves or give them rules.
I agree for the most part, but it’s not always about the words. There’s a lot of music that is melancholy. It can pull you into a depression, even make you feel hopeless and take your mind off Christ.
This is very true and often overlooked. I listen to a lot of instrumental music, especially electronic or ambient “downtempo” music. There’s a duo I love called “Hammock“. They’re post-rock ambient guitarists. The music is beautiful, but as you said melancholy. A few songs of this, and it definitely puts you in a strange, euphoric, but depressed state of mind.
Admittedly, I’ve taken an odd path back to Christianity, but two of my biggest influences in finally doing so were Michale Graves of The Misfits and Tom Araya from Slayer. The Lord works in mysterious ways eh?
“Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name [Jesus].” Hebrews 13:15 AMP
I listened to alot of music that came with a lifestyle of drugs. When I came to Christ I abandoned all secular music there are some songs I don't mind but they serve little purpose for me. Most music I listen to is often an expression of what's going on inside me. So the music I listen I choose for the message as well as the melodies. It goes both ways is the worship we choose a song written about us or is it about Jesus.
I LOVE the song “the climb” but because its from miley cyrus i felt scared to listen to it. But the song has SUCH a meaningful message and can be even a biblical message if you read the lyrics
Love hearing this as a teenage Christian metalhead, who's mother hates any sort of metal metal. I write faith-based music and just personal music, and I believe that both are important. This is absolutely on point. Always depends on the message.
I disagree, not because I think we should be adopting negative messages but I think we shouldn’t look away from what’s negative in life rather accept it and analyze it music Is very similar to poetry or reading a book and even when a book is bad you have to recognize for yourself why that is so
I fully agree. I have been a Christian for 48 years and have gone down the same road as you. The happy birthday song and Beethoven's Seventh Symphony opened my eyes to the principle. I can enjoy an artwork painted by a non-Christian and I can enjoy Dave Brubek's jazz (Brubek was Roman Catholic btw). Conversely, most (not all) popular Christian nusic has lost its ministry effect. I remember the earlier music that sometimes drove me to tears. I miss it.
Point is: Where does the music lead you? Even if the lyrics are wicked, they might draw you closer to god by reminding you of his light, the dark lyrics makes his voice shine all the brighter. Equally a music piece composed with lyrics of praise for the lord can draw you into darkness. Mindfulness. Always be mindful and hold your thoughts prisoners for ransom.
“The flesh says ‘what’s wrong with it?’ But the Spirit says ‘what’s good about it?’” - someone wiser than me
Amen
@hey boss are u... For some reason, YT will not allow me to comment. I myself write and record hymns (most of them self written)
@hey boss are u... Brother, check out my worship songs!😇
This is so true and wise 🙂
i mean if there’s nothing wrong with it then it’s not wrong period. we do things in our life daily that’s not wrong or doesn’t have real benefits to us lol
This is brilliant because it also applies in the reverse order: if a "Christian" song has an unbiblical and deceitful message, it doesn't matter if it belongs to the genre of "worship songs", you shouldn't listen to it any more than you should listen to secular music with a bad message.
Bingo, that was my first thought as well. Labels don’t matter, content does.
Yes yes and amen yes!!
@Liyah Nadeau yes! 100%
Correct
Exactly. I was just getting on here to comment something similar. You said it so much better than I think I would have!
“Sometimes it troubles me, the number of people that can quote my songs or other artists, but they can’t quote the scriptures. As if anything a musician says is even worth listening to…” -Rich Mullins
I think the best songs are the ones based on scripture.
Ehhhhh… I dunno. It’s way easier to remember lyrics that rhyme and put to music than poetry or sections of verses. So that’s not really fair
There’s a lot of good songs with good messages
I would say that music is easier to repeat because it is to music, if the scripture was put to music it would be easier to repeat (and some of it is supposed to be)
Until the bible has been proven to be true, scripture is no different from harry potter or greek mythology.
My taste in music has totally changed, and it didnt happen because I wanted to make a change, God did it. He refined my spirit. I stopped watching TV too. It's really weird, but Hes doing a mighty work in me, and I'm along for the ride, praising Him, and I'm loving every minute of it!
TV lied by claiming yoghurt bars are "healthier" than Kitkats when in reality it's vice versa, Monosodium glutamate is 3 times healthier than salt, plus sometimes TV news would pick up a man in his 50s or 60s to look down at the youth (Gen Z hate included)
That’s awesome brother! What genre do you listen to?
Imaginary friend.
It happened because you asked God to change you in tge name of Jesus and with His Holy Spirit they are changing you
Most people who have been changed by Christ, end up eventually listening to some kind of Christian or worship music. (happened to me & I used to love the most explicit rap & hip-hop for like 20 yrs--I haven't watched TV or movies, either, for around 6 years)
Exactly right. The message is what matters. I play music six days a week now and over the years as my convictions have become stronger, I've changed my set list drastically to include only songs with messages I think God would abide
Bach signed all of his scores “Soli Deo Gloria” instead of with his own name. You’re good with Bach. 😂
This is neat to know!
Woahhhh nice!!!
My guess is that he worded that point weirdly.
"Bach or Beethoven" frames the two composers in a dichotomy: you either embrace the grace of Bach's music or secularity of Beethoven.
Later on Mike thought "That's ridiculous: they're both great! Beethoven is nowhere near as secular as modern genres of music. Even then, it's the lyrics that matter."
Which I'd have to disagree with: both grace _and_ lyrics matter. But that's just my two cents.
Even better when Bach is sung by positive Christian believers. Then it becomes living testimony. You can see it on some singers faces - the joy of singing about Jesus.
@@Antsaboy94Beethoven secular? He had a deep faith.
God encouraged me about 2 months ago to cleanse from secular music && it has changed my life. I never realized the emotional influence I was under - a lot of the artist I listened to were the reason for my depression, anxiety, hopelessness && spiritual isolation. The lyrics had me paralyzed && damaged my spirit. God knew exactly what I needed to eliminate so I could walk freely in His presence rather than being influenced by emotions && constantly hurting myself. Be careful with lyrics - some lyrics are meant to keep you in bondage.
So true, also tunes and beats affect you as well
@@shalombereshiyth
Yes, tunes and beats can completely defile your spirit even if the lyrics are relatively nice.
"Some lyrics are meant to keep you in bondage"
Interesting 🤔. Could you please elaborate on this. Are saying that if one is going through depression and the lyrics in a song are depressing that that plays a part in keeping you depressed in some way?
I'm just asking to clarify and be sure.
@@CLDJ227 yes absolutely! Here’s an example from Wasting Angels by Post Malone, “Devil on my back, so I sleep on my chest…I mixed my drink with a couple of drugs” if you are depressed then these lyrics will affirm your emotions && your emotions will manipulate you into thinking this is your truth. When you understand the power of words && what scripture says about words being life or death…what you conceive in your spirit will effect what you receive in your mind && what you perceive as truth.
I so understand.
Whatever music you listen to, guard your hearts, and bring your thoughts in submission to God and his Word.
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same.
God bless
Gabriel
@@Manofprayer2 True!
Also, I’m not sure if I’m right or not, but I think a person who is creating music might be channeling the spirits into the music (depending on what spirit they’re dealing with in their own life). Because the enemy is using us as vessels if we have open doors in our lives, as well as God can use us as vessels if we allow Him, but that’s what we are - vessels for God, or from the enemy. I also think that a Christian can be a vessel for the enemy, because although we have the Holy Spirit, we are made of three parts - spirit, soul, and body.
Although our spirit is redeemed, the soul can still be affected (if a person is demon possessed, the demons dwell in the soul, not the spirit or the body).
If the music is worshipping God, then I think it could be considered as music for the spirit. All the other songs (even if they have neutral lyrics) are songs for the soul, and I would be careful with soul-ish things, because we don’t really know what spirits might be there.
I know it sounds religious or “too much”, for most Christians, but those who go deeper will understand
@@Kammiilla I agree.
agreed. If you cant control yourself to the point where music is dictating your life, then yes. If you have accepted gods love then you can easily listen to anything without taking it to heart.
God doesnt condemn those who listen to secular music whether it be rap or bach. Its those who make it their identity, those who allow it to enslave them that shall end up in gehenna.
@@kardzYT David said let everything that has breath worship God. If you can listen to music that worships and praises God why not? Then why would you also substitute that for something that doesn’t praise God. Makes no sense.
“If the message is wicked” Great wording there. Some music is hard to nail down whether that’s the case, but lots of music today is painfully obvious that it’s wicked and full of sin and temptation. Thanks for making this and giving your 2 cents on it
in my first confession, i asked the priest a question and i mentioned that i knew all secular music was evil, he calmly said to me, in a not rude manner, "no it isnt". i had abandoned so much music that i liked because i thought it was all evil. driving home that evening, i listened to some really great songs that i hadnt heard in a long time.
but why did ur decision to listen come from a priest and not the word of God.? Why didn’t u ask what does the Word of God say abt this instead of a priest?
@@Selameta-i3g show me where the Scripture says explicitly what is considered as evil music.
And considering the priest is a priest of God, I can consult him as my spiritual advisor.
@@ArashiNoSeito my point was we should consult the word of God for all answers and not a priest. If you consult a priest, you should ask reference from the Bible before following their advice.
@@Selameta-i3g so then what did the Christians do for the first almost 400 years of Christianity when there was no Bible?🤔
@@ArashiNoSeito if am not mistaken, they have the written laws etc. Regardless, we have a Bible now that we must follow not the priests. Even this video itself, Mike shared his conviction. We all must search the Word and make our own decisions. We shouldn’t do it just because he said it.
You’ve got a friend in me 🎶 😂
True though. I had to step away from secular music entirely for a while. Now I’m at the point where I can clearly know what to listen to or not, secular or not.
"Amen!! Big facts!! I love 💖 that;! " Black jesus 777
💯😂
Hillsong music is so messed up
I think we all go through different seasons and especially as an early Christian you may need to go through a detox period, kinda like a spiritual rehab. Then after you have grown stronger in your faith and have a better understanding, you will have the proper discernment through the Holy Spirit.
@@bailujen8052 Its not messed up bro
When my husband and I turned back to God we deleted most of our secular music because it was associated with our sinful past. We don't think it's inherently sinful but we are growing in our walk with God and are being made new, in that process of refinement we had to let all our idols go. For my husband an idol was music. It was like a part of him. He even put up posters of led zeppelin. He took those down and put up Christian posters.
Same happened to my husband and I! It was part of our old lives and so we felt like we had to get rid of it. It’s good to start fresh!
Right, sometimes things aren't inherently evil but they can be associated with sin. It's not wrong to cut these things out, in fact I believe it's encouraged
Yep, when I really started to come to Christ, I started listening to more christian music. My fave band was Queen and yes, I may have idolized them in a sense. Now, I just listen to christian music, because I feel for me it's just more beneficial at this time for myself.
Great idea, because most hard rock and metal music are satanically based. I've also heard they cast spells upon people.
I agree with your stance. Rock music is spellbinding even if the lyrics are not inherently evil. It opens the door to an antiChrist spirit. Look at all the rock stars whose lives were ruined by alcohol and drugs with many of them dying. I listen only to Christ exalting music, (no “Christian” rock or rap), nothing else compares!
Sometimes I miss ACDC but I am no longer on the Highway to Hell.
I still sometimes listen to an AC/DC song, but never that one any more!
Let Me Guess You Got a Stiff
STIFF UPPER LIPP(ANGUS YOUNG SOLO)
weak ahh💀💀
I know thats right!!!!
@@5thPhoenix the words are the literal message of the song
I was praying and fasting in Nevada and I told God I wasn't feeling it, I was down and a little depressed. I awake in the morning and 3 little sparrows landed on my van, one on the windshield wiper, one in side mirror, and one on my antenna. I say nice God's little creatures and didn't think twice. A few hours later I had an epiphany, THREE LITTLE BIRDS, by Bob Marley, which I new how to play on my acoustic guitar.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT A THING
CAUSE EVERY THING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT
ROSE UP THIS MORNING
RISE WITH THE MORNING SUN
THREE LITTLE BIRDS PERCHED ON MY
DOOR STEP
SINGING SWEET SONGS OF MELODIES
PURE AND TRUE
THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO YOU...oooooh
DONT WORRY
I Said thks Lord and jammed the tune on my guitar.❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😂
Thats actually a very powerful little anecdote. I bet that was such an amazing feeling when you realized what that meant!
I’ve been really blessed by Bob Marley’s tunes. I sometimes have to re-imagine them in my head to be less Rasta and more Christian but mostly it works. Lol
As a child I was taught “If it’s not uplifting God, you shouldn’t be listening to it.” And I would think to myself “What about the ABC song, Old McDonald, THE MUFFIN MAN!?!?” It was confusing to me as a child. My children listen to “secular music” now. The phonics song and lots of Frozen songs lol
"No right no wrong no rules for me/I'm free"
@@Meshuga63 what song is that?
@@peterwallis4288 "Let it Go," from Frozen.
@@Meshuga63 I think it's crazy how the most popular song in Frozen undermines even the message of the film itself. Elsa's arc is that she realizes she can't live an individualistic and isolated life, refusing the help and company of others (let it go), and that love and community are better.
tbh, I listen to a lot of Christian artists, even if their music isn't necessarily Christian, but I listen to a few bands that are definitely not Christian, but little do they realize that I find a Christian parallel to the things they sing about most of the time. Truth reveals itself in secular life, because it's true... and finding those parallels is what helps solidify my faith.
Typical, seems like you're making an excuse like most. No doubt we all have our struggles, and we should continually work to be free from them all, not to work to justify them instead.
@@Mojo32 “secular” isn’t always evil. There are plenty of songs that don’t glorify sex, drugs, money, and things of the sort, don’t use bad language and have a positive tone. How can that be bad?
@@Mojo32 I don't see any excuses being made in the first comment, and what's his struggle supposed to be here?
He makes a reasonable point lol.
I agree with this. I love Christian music but I also love the band Mumford and Sons and I can feel a lot of God reference in their songs so beautiful
Your goal should not be able to justify your worldly loves, but it makes sense I guess because it is evident that you're still of the world. As the modern "christians" like to say, "it's okay, you can live your truth."
If it leads to temptation, if it invokes old sinful thoughts, if it sows seeds leading into temptation, if it contains speech ungodly and of no benefit to your upbringing in holiness, if it lack any character reflecting God, if it sparks thoughts that exalt themselves above the knowledgeof God, if it changes who God is in your sight, if it goes against the messageof the Bible, if it profanes the things of God, if it changes who God is building you up to be.... reject it.
What I don't like about modern Christian music is that a lot of it is "all about me" and there is often no real message.
It also just doesn't sound good.
There are some incredible Christian artists, but most Christian music is just nails on a chalk board. It's sad, because if we're to dedicate music to God it ought to be well created.
This is why I have a issue with Christians who are closed minded and become what they hate.
@@johnperic6860yes. Like that saccharin stuff in charismatic churches where they raise their hands. If it works for them, ok. But i just find the annoying.
If you cannot even listen to music without questioning your faith, you have a problem.
Exactly
It depends the message of the music. If you’re singing along to a song about fcking btches WAP and drugs, then yeah you should question your faith
Who said anything about questioning their faith?
Bro is talking about questioning the content of the music.
Would you eat a delicious pie if you knew it had even just a little bit of poison in it, or would you opt for the pie that you know has no poison in it, but is actually healthy for you?
Has nothing to do with your faith, and there is absolutely nothing wrong or even controversial about what he said. Even Non-Christians can agree that listening to songs with negative content (drugs, sex, and alcohol) is not good for you
I hope you hold the same position about a song filled with lyrics glorifying domestic abuse or cheating on your partner.
Cos it's just music like you said.
As a Filipino, I can I easily pick a secular song that doesn't contain obscure and rude music. Filipino message is about love, friendship and happiness
Filipino music is generally so lovely
I agree. About 17 or 18 years ago, the Lord drew me away from all secular music. He wanted to get my attention and apply my songwriting and singing efforts toward writing worship music for Him. It was an awesome season of Him showing me how important it is to guard what goes into my eyes, ears, and even mouth. Since, He has allowed me to listen to secular music with indifferent or uplifting messages.
I've found that he did the same for me, only in movies and stories I watch. At one point I stopped watching anything at all, and was only reading the Bible. I am thankful to God everyday that he did. I regret nothing because God is my everything and I love him with my whole heart for all his goodness and love and kindness. I want to be profitable to him and make my life about him at all times. He is great and greatly to be praised in the habitation of his saints.
@@xavierthomas5835 the other thing about music is that He speaks to me through lyrics. One time I was perusing the cookies and sweets aisle at the grocery store, and I heard "walk on by".
"Amen! My God, glory to God. God is so dope a d sweet. That's one of my all time songs, I never get tired of it. I know we will enjoy this beautiful, gorgeous, sweet ,clean soul music in Heaven when we get their. Next to classic Gospel, old school soul is my favorite music I listen to the second most. Never do I grow weary of the tunes, I grew up on them. Very dope, cool story. I just luh that, that is so sweet. God is so sweet, He is the sweetest. I love 💖 Him, praise Him and obsess over Him. " Black jesus 777
@@earnestinecole4030 I feel the same. I am picky with what I listen to.
Yes! I think the message is the most important, But Also be careful of the beat, sometimes if the sound and beat makes you ignore the message, and causes your flesh to rise up with unholy desires that sound should be avoided as well.
What about instrumentals when finding out the lyrics?
You sound like a cultist😂
I'm an Orthodox Christian and this comment is bordering on insane.
@@deerlow1851 it’s not bordering on insane it IS insane
@@warlordomegaxzyit hit the insanity barrier at 80 mph and busted through it 11 mos ago. THATS how insane it is.
I had the same realization! I do still avoid most music put out by people who don’t love Jesus, only because music used to be a strong gateway to bad worldviews for me.
Mike, I have an angle on this from how I was brought up. My dad refused to let me listen to anything but Classical music because he was convinced that secular music was full of sex and violence. But then I listened to some opera, and let me tell you: opera can be full of adultery, sex, and violence as well, but it's all in Italian. So really, the message can be good or bad regardless of what genre the music is in.
My dad is much the same way. And as a kid it really messed me up cause I'm supposed to obey him, so how can I worship God with a contemporary song when my dad says no? But sadly, in his pursuit of purity, he becomes snobbish, proud and stubborn, and legalistic. There has to be grace and balance involved.
Thats a funny take on opera. "Ah, but degeneracy in *Italian* is totally ok!"
That's honestly really funny. I do think that opera is more of a storytelling genre of music, so I imagine adultery and violence are usually not shown in a positive light, and that's OK (the Bible has those things as well, obviosuly without condoning them). I'm not used to classical opera, but I'm reminded of a rock opera like Ayreon's The Human Equation, which is a beautiful album about a victim of adultery choosing to forgive.
I did this exact same thing! Broke all my tapes n records when I was like 14 but I e always gone back n forth in my head about this! I Love Christian music, I also love country, rock, & some pop. But u r absolutely correct I believe! It’s what where taking in and praising out loud about! We need to be aware of the lyrics we’re putting in our thoughts and getting into, it can be hard at x, because we don’t always know the writer’s intentions or what some songs r even saying ? Not always sure if it is neutral or intentional ? Discernment is key, I know I need a lot of help n prayers for more discernment in all my choices! We all do I’m sure
I also think it's important to look to the music artist you're listening to. Sometimes the message of the song isn't wicked but if you watch the music video it can be surprising to see what they're showing. Just a thought 🤷🏼♂️
I think this is good as well. Some of the beats and music are actually made to destroy as well. Kind of like mind programming and frequencies used. Repetitive sounds are used for mind control.
Exactly.
Very true
By that argument, none of us should read psalms because David committed adultery with Bathsheba. Every artist whether secular or gospel has some dishonorable past.
@@francisco6969 I disagree, David was a believer, and we all sin. An unbeliever doesn’t have a heart for God so they don’t make music that pleases him. And if a believer makes a song that dishonors God, that song is a bad song.
Handel's Messiah is a good listen. And Bach ofcourse, a devout Christian. 🤗🕯️
Yes indeed. Bach signed his manuscripts ' Soli Deo Gloria' : all to God's glory!
yup, both of em are Christians actually.
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same.
God bless
Gabriel
@@Manofprayer2 scripture doesn't say anything about Satan and music in heaven..
It only says his chest was filled with pipes.
@@Ethanthesharkganne Heaven is a place of worship. Everyone will be singing and playing instruments. The devil was the worship leader, the one below God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in Heaven. Now, that he has fallen he uses his skills in music to worship himself instead and to influence others to worship him through music and rituals. That's why so many of these pop-culture celebrities sell their souls to the devil. Amen
Thankfully I've never cared about lyrics, so most of the stuff that I listen to is only instrumental, therefore I am able to assign and associate my preferred subject matter to it without having to compromise anything. God Bless everyone who may be struggling with this issue. The fact that there is an inner struggle, shows the work of the holy spirit in you. Keep growing in faith and in Christ!
That last point is so very important. As a fledgling Christian, I had SO much anxiety when I felt convicted over something, going into mental self-flagellation mode. That obviously wasn't what God wanted of me. Now when I feel that inner struggle, I thank Him for giving me His Spirit so that the struggle can happen at all! Those pre-Jesus believers must have had a heck of a time, trying to follow all those rules. I wouldn't have made it.
@@evage99amen and amen. We don't do it without him beloved. I love you and pray for you continually
I've only just recently gotten back into listening to instrumental music and I'm learning, or rather applying, that God is in every sound and that it's really an invitation for me to fill the sound with whatever he is to me. My love and my life and my praise and the rejoicing of my heart. I love you and God bless you beloved child of God
Aram Papazyan here 👀👀👀👀👀👀
Awesome dinosaur drawings
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same.
God bless
Gabriel
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ... honest... just, ... pure, ... lovely, ... of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. "
Philippians 4:8-9
This should be the key verse for ANYTHING we come across in our lives.
I’m right with you. I became a Christian in my senior year of high school and had Christian friends that told me to trash all my secular music and only listen to Christian music. When my wife and I were dating I talked her into doing the same. We’ve been married 30 years and over the course of those years my views changed and are pretty much identical to what you just said. Today my wife teases me saying “you made me throw away some good music!!!” 😂
All music is delivering a message. Always look at the message.
What is the message of "Baby Shark" ?
@@i7Qp4rQ
It's a catchy memory earworm that draws attention to the show it's associated with. It's designed to be addictive and memorable. It's catered towards Little children to get them to continually tune in to the show.
In short, it's a jingle.
@@holtscustomcreations Was a joke, dududududuu. 😆
@@i7Qp4rQ
I thought it was rather comical too. After all, how many parents are driven nuts by Baby Shark. LOL
The same thing worked well with Barney too.
Genuinely curious here... What would you say the message of music is that does not have any words? (Classical or otherwise) Or did you mean, all music with words is delivering a message? Not trying to nitpick, just really curious!
That's exactly where I am with this now, 14 years into my walk. But you need to let people's consciences guide them. I think that for the sake of my own spiritual safety, I needed to steer clear of much secular music for many years, music that I can enjoy now, no problem.
There's no hard and fast rule here. Spirit guides us where we need to go.
Amen and amen. Wheresoever we are lead we go. At the same time, we are sometimes pushed further by the faith of others like with those who were friends and family of Paul while he was locked up. They were incited to greater shows of preaching the word and boldness to preach because they saw he was willing and undisturbed to suffer for Christ in jail. It didn't stop him or discourage him at all. So we walk a fine line, to spread the good news pf our liberality and to suppress the idea that these things are for everyone. Let them know, but don't push them, that's God's job.
I listen to a lot of instrumental music like improv jazz or orchestra type music. That can be good to listen to too. Who knew Japan had an explosion of jazz in the 70s?
You Familiar With The Japanese Jazz Song Tank From Cowboy Bebop?
If You Aren't Go Listen To It
It is a BOP
I have a question. What if the music is not ungodly, but is neutral, BUT the message isn't positive either. What if it's a depressing or sad message?
Don’t listen
Is it a depressing song about a lived one dying or a depressing song as I'm "I can't go on any longer" there's plenty of sad songs that don't have a wicked message. Amd feeling sad and greif is a natural human emotion. It's what ypu do with that emotion that can make it wicked or not.
As above, I can't see how that would be a problem, unless you listen to that so much that it makes you depressed or furthers your depression. I would suggest it might be more helpful to listen to something else.
About nihilism, you mean? I'd avoid it.
That's a great question. As someone who loves sad songs, I think the morals of the song can be good or bad regardless of it being positive and uplifting or sad and introspective. For example, Happy Returns from Steven Wilson is a super sad song which actually has a poignant message about cherishing your loved ones, while I think some of his other songs have messages full of hopelessness that I don't feel comfortable with.
In a way you just answered a question I've struggled with for 35 year's. Who ever u are, God Bless you!
I understand the conflicts of classical music. Many people from that time engaged in esoteric behavior and some claimed to make deals with demons for their talent.
Many social media influencers do the same. And yet here we are, social media.
Be careful, because the enemy is out here to deceive us. He was a master instrumentalist in heaven, and he clearly uses that way here on Earth to deceive and trick people to listen to his crap. The message on the songs are important but also the beats and the way the instruments are played plays a big part. In the jungles of Africa they would use beats to become demon possessed and win the wars which they would. But it was dark power which would come on them though the playing of drums and instruments. So remember, it’s not just the lyrics but also the instrumentals, wave length and etc. it’s all being used to manipulate and control your brain. Tv and phone is the same.
God bless
Gabriel
@@lkae4 You have to be aware of the facetiousness of your comment I'm sure you know just like with how we can tailor our music we can tailor who we watching are subscribed to on RUclips
Classical music?? From which time?
@@chenanigans listen to Christian music at max. Because not even all Christian music is good already, imagine looking outside of Christian music. It’s too much hassle. Focus on finding good Spiritual Christian Biblical songs, from people who are Holy full of fire, in the Spirit. The Devil is out there to deceiver Christians. Be aware. He wastes your time, and kills you if he has the chance. He wants to prevent Christian’s from being saved. He wants out lives not their. We belong to Jesus, and we need to act like it. Being full of power. Amen
It makes me think of Black Sabbath "Children of the grave". A very rythmic sound I play with my band, and I was wondering if it beared some "satanic " connotation. Then I took some time to read the lyrics and I changed my mind. "So, you children of the world
Listen to what I say
If you want a better place to live in
Spread the word today
Show the world that love is still alive, you must be brave"
I absolutely fell in love with sabbath as a teenager, and I still listen to them from time to time. As I’ve gotten older Im finding that many of their songs have really great lyrics that are pro god or warn against evil
I was in and out of Los Angeles a lot from 2014-2017 and I sat in quite a few AA meetings about 4 feet from Ozzy every day. He is an extremely polite and kind person. Very gracious and soft spoken.
Never thought I'd hear someone quote Black Sabbath on this channel, but hey, I gotta admit it. They rock.
Some "Christian Music" has a heretical message. Why would that surprise us? The great deceiver deceives. Don't go on a crusade, be intentional, live your faith. Don't over think or under think it, think intelligently, spiritually and be sensitive to the effect on you. Don't confuse being calm and intentional with being complacent. Nuff said
Amen and amen, beloved sound words are good for the soul. God bless you
To the pure, all things are pure.
This means that even if a song fell into the group of secular music, unless it’s lyrics are blasphemous, wicked, evil, or immoral -then it’s simply a song.
In some instances there are secular songs, written about Love, that glorify Jesus. Especially when a listener understands that the type of love being expressed, could only originate through Jesus.
I have many secular songs on my playlist that bring me to a place of worship.
_my baptist friends don’t understand._
Baptist friend here that understands.
“Secular music” as you put it can tell stories and convey pain in a way that I haven’t seen Christian music do. So many of my favorite bands talk about the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, being back-stabbed in a relationship and how they deal with it, it makes you feel like you’re not going through those feelings alone. I’m sure that there is some Christian music that shares similar messages but I find that the overall message is always to seek out god and put faith in him.
"Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes it's laws". Andrew Fletcher
I heard that quote. The words we sing are very important in our walk with God.
Interesting quote!
So true! In addition to the lyrics and message, I think the intent & spirit behind the music matters, too. Great points & thankful for your ministry
I would say that a large chunck of secular music (especially pop) is influenced by evil. But as a trained musician, it pains me to hear someone conflate Bach and Mozart with the generalized term ‘secular music.’ Even if it’s in a retrospective way. To say that is just as silly as saying “it’s just music” about a Lil Nas X song.
I don’t believe we should disregard the genre/style either. The message of the music is more than the lyrics.
I grew up in an agnostic family and developed a taste for rock/metal - converted last year and my tastes have changed for the most part, but then I discovered the band Theocracy - if anyone here also has a taste for those genres I highly suggest "I AM" and Mosaic. They are a very unique blend of beauty, the more powerful attributes of there genre, and worship
Question: If the message must be "positive," what constitutes a "positive message"?
I know a lot of music that I enjoy is often dark or contemplative, but there's a catharsis in that. For example, the song "Audience of One" by Rise Against is about losing connections as you grow older, a fear I'm sure everyone experiences. The song provides a bit of relief from that feeling by confronting it. It's a positive effect from a song without a positive message.
And what about negative songs that are depicting or about a character? Would listening to something like "Be Prepared" from the Lion King be forbidden as Scar is a villain with an evil intent?
I think "bad" music would just have to be anything that promotes sin and helps nourish our sinful nature. I also enjoy listening to a lot of dark themed music, but definitely nothing that feels like it's embracing evil.
@@ldmassey I agree. I listen to a lot of rock and metal that conveys themes of loss, pain and shame, which are things that everyone goes through. But I wont listen to anything that promotes evil, like the worst of metal does.
It doesn’t have to be positive. Honestly, Christian culture wrongly conflates being positive with being godly as if David didn’t write many depressing and sometimes angry psalms and as if Jesus was Mr. Sunnyside. Be negative. Mourn the sin in the world. But do it with purpose and with a hope that the world doesn’t have.
I listen to so much music in foreign languages, so the message literally does not matter because I can’t understand it. I feel this way about a lot of music, the lyrics just don’t mean anything to me.
It’s a shame, but so much of “Christian” music is just so generic and poor, from a musical standpoint. There’s so much great music out there, especially outside of America.
@@biscuit1388 So much truth in a single comment... A lot of christian music nowadays is just, like, rock ballads and such... Not a lot of variety for a normal person, really.
This is why I had to delete most of my music 😔 some people couldn't understand my reason but it's because it was an idol and most of the messages were keeping me enslaved to my emotions. I needed to depend more on God to be closer to Him. It was also wavering my faith
I am a Christian metalhead
You love metal? If you love the world or the things of this world, the love of the father is not in you. 1 john 2:15-17
You can have your metal or you can have the Kingdom of God. Pick one.
@@sffsf81Metal is about a lot of different things and guess what it’s not about the devil or being anti Christianity
@@sffsf81i’m sure they’re not saying that they choose metal over our Lord..
if they took the "v" into their arm they took the mark of the beast, same with the test up the nose@@orangeyjuice
@@sffsf81 Friend this is an unnecessarily condemning response. Not everything in the world is sinful. If someone said he loved listening to the rain, would you tell him he was choosing the sound of rainfall over God? Surely not, I would hope. Loving a particular type of sound is not intrinsically antithetical to loving God.
Same thing for modern Christian praise songs. People shouldn't over-generalize to say all modern praise music is too self-focused, rather take each song by song and discern from there.
I could not imagine any music more holy, pure, glorious, graceful, thankful, majestic, deep, moving, sorrowful, loving, beautiful than Bach.
It seems to me that everything Bach wrote was for God and purpose to praise God, show ability that God has given to him to glorify God.
Music has no moral component, but lyrics can be evil. Music alone has emotional components and stirs up certain moods and ideas in people, so it has to be used wisely and appropriately, but its not evil ever.
I enjoy a lot of electronic music, edm, trance, synthwave, etc. and one thing I particularly love about it is that there are few lyrics to worry about. However, there have been some that use demonic imagery, and I try to weed those out. There have been a few songs that sound awesome but I sadly have to remove them from my playlists due to unfortunate lyrics.
Also, I should note that some dark imagery doesn't appear to be demonic, so just because there's a red hellscape on the album doesn't mean that it is necessarily evil. It probably is, but thats not a guarantee.
I almost got legalistic with the type of Christian music I allowed myself to listen to! While I may not always agree with the wording of the lyrics 100% of the time, I let my conscience decide whether or not to listen to certain music. If it violates my conscience, I avoid that song, and I try to support Christian artists with listening to the songs that don't violate my conscience. The same basic thing goes for secular music. There is some secular music I just like and it doesn't violate my conscience or the bible, so I listen from time to time. I am so thankful for the freedom we have in Christ 💓 I can enjoy music to His glory. I thank Him for the music and the artists that produce music that is clean for me to listen to.
Earlier when I got Saved, I shunned Jazz music, not because it had wicked lyrics but because the lives of Jazz musicians involved smoking, drugs, drinking etc. Later on I came to understand that the lives of Classical, Rock &Roll and Country musicians were not any purer or holier. Thats when music became neutral for me and not an offense to my Creator God.
God created Marijuana
@@SupportTheArts-yo8ox ..God also created other poisonous plants - doesn't mean we should eat them.
@@lbamusic That has nothing to do with marijuana
What if we listen to music with a negative message but don’t let it hinder our relationship to god. AKA we don’t necessarily support the message we just like the sound. Is that ok?
i agree! i had a friend who “only listens to christian music” but some of that music isn’t necessarily glorifying God even though it was produced by and marketed as christian. one of the artists we both listen to made a christmas song, but instead of it being about the miracle of Jesus’s birth, it was about not fighting because it’s christmas. which any artist could have sung the song and it wouldn’t really change it. like it talks about santa more than Jesus. and you could get the same message by saying “because we are christians we should put aside our differences and celebrate the miraculous birth of our savior.” but it’s focused on jesus and not on the traditions of man.
also i’m not saying the message of the song is wrong or wicked, but that it is not about christ just because it has christmas in the name, and it shouldn’t be advertised as a new christian song.
another thing, i’m a bass player (although i’m still learning). christian music is almost too easy for bass players, and so it’s hard to grow my talent if i’m stuck with playing only christian music.
i think christians should be mindful about what they watch and listen to, but that doesn’t mean cutting out all but one genre . or telling your friends that you won’t listen to charlie puths new song because you “only listen to christian music.” like listen to the song, if you have a problem with the artist or the lyrics, bring it up to your friend in a loving manner. there’s a good chance that the song isn’t even bad.
I found it pretty funny that he mentioned Bach and then said "counterparts." Bach is famous for writing "counterpoint" music.
He who the spirit leads to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, let him not eat, and vice versa etc.
Music choice is definitely on this list. Some more mature can listen to basically whatever, and manage to not let it effect their spirit(or the spirit doesn't pull them away from it, without judicial hardening). On the other hand, anyone who feels lead to abstain MUST. There's not that many sins like this, where it depends on who you are and how the spirit is leading you, but if such sins exist then this is one of them. I think we can all agree that music affects different people in different ways, and this can also be true for overindulgence in a type of music.
For me, it feels wrong to listen to sexually explicit music, but I don't feel anything negative when listening to purposefully cartoonishly evil things, songs that are not meant to be taken seriously, such as A Little piece of Heaven by avenged sevenfold. I still would not like to listen to this music all the time, but when I'm feeling in a particularly spooky mood a7x fits pretty well.
This is, I think, exactly right. I think this applies to eating so-called prohibited foods, drinking alcohol, and things like music, movies, and games (entertainment). Still, one ought to be discerning, of good judgement, and ask themselves periodically if God would be pleased with their behavior. God does permit some things which are displeasing to Him, but partaking of such things may indicate a hard heart.
@@Real_LiamOBryan Yup, you got the half I missed. If you have this sort of "whatever mayen, I don't think God cares what I watch" then you might just have poor discernment or a hard heart. It's a tough thing to describe to less mature Christians, but if you have a healthy relationship with Christ it almost seems intuitive. For plenty of Christians don't drink anything at all, but since I don't have an alcohol addiction, I am fine having a single beer or two every couple of weeks. On the other hand, I have an issue with more visual "adult material", thus I can't walk "up to that line", I have to flee far from it.
Bach signed his work to the Glory of God alone. But I get what you’re saying. Love ya pastor Mike.
When I was younger, I fought my family for years to understand this. My preferred music at the time was classical and movie scores, and my family had the attitude that if it wasn't expressly "Christian" then it was "evil." I came home from work one day and my sister had destroyed dozens of my classical CD collection. Thankfully, they've grown out of this belief.
I do want to share, that though not all of it is “evil” it was one of the things The Lord had me toss out. I amassed a playlist that was +4000 songs strong, if it sounded good, I had it, all genres. Now I just want to amass as
Much Christian music that is Christ-centric, Full of the word and Holy Spirit filled. The toss out, was pivotal, incredibly painful, but to this day remains one of those things I thank Jesus Christ for. ❤
I was taught since a young age to do this very thing. Now when I was growing up my parents made sure I listened to nothing but Christian Music. However since I have been out of my parent's house I have been more okay with listening to songs that aren't negative or have bad messages. I still listen to a majority of Christian artists though. Bands like Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Disciple will always be my go to's.
Try sabaton, not Christian but almost no cursing at all, and all about history. Definitely uplifting for the most part, and just plain awesome.
@@SeanWinters THEY ARE PANZER ELITE GHOST DIVISION
I discovered so much freedom when I learned that music itself is amoral: there's nothing inherently moral or immoral about music. Now I can listen to songs I enjoy when the lyrics are true, honorable, just, etc.
Amen and amen. God bless you sister and love you much
But music isn’t amoral. Have you ever heard an instrumental that made you feel a certain way? Music even just instrumental music is POWERFUL.
@@sebastiansantander384 it has power to affect emotions but no morality in itself. There is no sinful symphony.
Amen!! My experience also!! I love how Holy Spirit guides and teaches us!! Hallelujah! When I listen to music, the Spirit teaches me to discern AND has even used certain secular lyrics to speak to me in the moment. It can be a quite BEAUTIFUL and INTIMATE moment communing in the Spirit. ❤
what of Palms or Job. some days we feel that way. Some days are just bad. Music is an expression of how we feel and to not acknowledge our feelings is to ignore an enormous part of the Bibles teaching. If something in the music resonates with you, but also had the message in contrast to the hope of Christ, there’s is a sign to dig deeper, find the source of your hurt, express it, walk through the pain. Sometimes you can’t just ignore it and bury it under a worship song. God is using it to bring you back❤ God meets you where you are
Lmao, I was called "Emo" for actually listening to the words and the message of the song when I was younger. It's funny that doing it got me made fun of and now I am being told to do it. 😆
That being said, it's strange cuz I don't enjoy music the way I used to. (I still like it, but it was my life at one loooong point before being saved) God has granted me discernment when it comes to music and it's lyrics. Songs I used to enjoy ring hollow when you can discern the place of origin in it's lyrics. I don't know how to explain without giving examples, and I don't want to offend people by tearing down their fave song or artist. But where a song was a beautiful and catchy let's-stick-together-type song in my past, now I am hearing the "please, I know we have an extremely unhealthy relationship, but I'm afraid to be alone" message behind it. Or a fun girl-empowerment song sounds like a "I have zero integrity, please validate me". Even christian songs aren't immune I hear the "I threw a bunch of spiritual sounding phrases together cuz the people that pay me say I need 3 more songs to make an album"
I thank God for it, because music seems to skip your head and go straight to your heart, and my heart was WAAAY too into some pretty shady messages. Though it's not always convenient, cuz I still like the songs! 😄
Black Sabbath - After Forever
Lyrics
Have you ever thought about your soul can it be saved?
Or perhaps you think that when you're dead you just stay in your grave
Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you?
Is Christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school?
When you think about death do you lose your breath or do you keep your cool?
Would you like to see the Pope on the end of a rope do you think he's a fool?
Well I have seen the truth, yes I've seen the light and I've changed my ways
And I'll be prepared when you're lonely and scared at the end of our days
Could it be you're afraid of what your friends might say
If they knew you believe in God above?
They should realize before they criticize
That God is the only way to love
Is your mind so small that you have to fall
In with the pack wherever they run
Will you still sneer when death is near
And say they may as well worship the sun?
I think it was true it was people like you that crucified Christ
I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced
Will you be so sure when your day is near, say you don't believe?
You had the chance but you turned it down, now you can't retrieve
Perhaps you'll think before you say that God is dead and gone
Open your eyes, just realize that he's the one
The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate
Or will you still jeer at all you hear, yes I think it's too late
@GraceAsher I avoided many mainstream (secular) christian influenced bands and "Christian," music in general. So my son listens to Sevendust and didn't realize the Christian influenced until I pointed it out. I actually prefer 60s and 70s music... I introduced him to an 80s band called Stryper
@GraceAsher thanks, I try. Mom listened to freedom rock and gospel, dad listened to old country, bluegrass and some rock and roll. I will say that growing up, my main music choices and preferences were Heavy metal and punk rock. I liked the anti-establishment lyrics, ones that expose the corruption, ones that make you want to stand against the evil that pervades society. That was the draw of the lyrics that I was reaching for, only to find God's law already written on my heart.
Dude
I struggle soooooo tough
W this
W all entertainment
Like I'm greatful for this feeling of discernment
But it's confusing at times
Pay attention to how you feel influenced.....If after/during the music you want to run out and sin, then it's not music you need to listen to. I know guys who claim Christianity but turn around and play worldy rap videos with half naked women while clearly objectifying their bodies and encouraging lust. I call foul!
@@justjosie8963 true words sister. The fruit of our doings is the most important thing. Let us walk so as to not give offense in anything we do. Yet if we offend in a good thing, let none speak evil of our good doing. God bless you sister
I like to listen to anime openings sometimes and occasionally I'll check the translation just to be sure it's nothing sketchy and the messages in the full songs used for the anime openings are really positive with some talking about something actiony like fighting back to back and others being sad talking about their will carrying on even if they die. Quite beautiful.
W taste my friend! Have you heard mashel op2? It's very fun! Also fmab op 1&2 yuyu hakusho and hunter x hunter have awesome op songs! I listen to more anime op songs than u watch anime (:
To love Ru and kiss X sis ops are hallal
Went through this phase too where I was completely against listening to any secular music. That was when I was like 18/19. It was wrong to think in extremes like that. It really is about the message and whether the songs are morally sound.
That said, I had idolized a band I liked for years without realising. God had to open my eyes to that and I had to put it away. I would spend much of my day listening to their stuff, watching videos and chatting on social media about them. When I started drawing close to God I was compelled to take down their posters, changed
the background and ring tone on my phone, my phone case - their mark was almost everywhere. I was in WAY too deep.
Normally when I listen to secular music, I focus more on the beats and the notes played rather than in depth meaning of the song, it helps to not get dragged into it.
"Christian Music" is like Christian medicine, aerobics, or pilots lessons. They don't exist. Only the message or messenger can be Christian
There is no spiritual Bb chord and secular D minor. Music is thus amoral though it has intrinsic powers. Music also has association applications. We don't sing hymns at the ball park.
Some lyrics are really golden.
1. You can't get what you want; til you know what you want. (Healthy relationships, for example)
2. Love will find a way; if you want it to. (Don't give up on learning, patience with others)
3. Just what you want to be; you will be in the end. (regarding character)
This is incredibly insightful.. it’s all resonance based.. there are certain moments that call for influences that either bring you up or level you by grounding you back to equilibrium and health.
WE ARE GLAD THAT YOU WOKE UP! Good morning!
For me, it also depends on whether ‘the message’ has an influence on me. Listen to a lot of music that doesn’t have a message I agree with but I still do because it sounds good and I can ignore it, or because it helps me to understand the artist and the human experience they are expressing.
“Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” -Andrew Fletcher
The message behind this is so true. Music is so influencial to us humans.
Amen.
This has just been happening naturally to me the closer I get to Christ. Love you Mike! From a Roman Catholic.
By this standard, you're missing out on a lot of music that speaks to the human condition.. If you are only willing to expose yourself to positive messages from culture, you're missing out on the areas of human experience that need the Gospel.. I'm thinking of angsty grunge, violent hip hop, etc... Not that all music should be on your playlist, but not all human expression is positive. We live in a sin tainted world and people often express their struggle with it through music.. Exposing yourself to that might help you understand how to love and pray for the people it speaks to.
Pink Floyd Time made me reflect on my fininity and Gods infinite being. I wept and wanted to grow closer to my Lord.
Totally agree with your logical conclusion. Unfortunately not everyone can/will think so logically on a continual basis so then here comes the slippery slope arguement.
The spirit of the music is not the words it's the melody ,the sound
Absolutely. We often feel it in classical music.
This is helpful because I'm that young person that is conflicted over whats good and whats not good with music. Thanks for these guidelines!
Most people are not equipped to know what is good or what is bad for them. This is the purpose of rules. Either equip them with the necessary ability to decipher for themselves or give them rules.
I agree for the most part, but it’s not always about the words. There’s a lot of music that is melancholy. It can pull you into a depression, even make you feel hopeless and take your mind off Christ.
This is very true and often overlooked. I listen to a lot of instrumental music, especially electronic or ambient “downtempo” music. There’s a duo I love called “Hammock“. They’re post-rock ambient guitarists. The music is beautiful, but as you said melancholy. A few songs of this, and it definitely puts you in a strange, euphoric, but depressed state of mind.
Admittedly, I’ve taken an odd path back to Christianity, but two of my biggest influences in finally doing so were Michale Graves of The Misfits and Tom Araya from Slayer. The Lord works in mysterious ways eh?
All is for God's Glory , anything beautiful is created through God and His Amazing Grace and Glory!!
“Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name [Jesus].”
Hebrews 13:15 AMP
Music, art, movies, entertainment, including activities. It's all the same. What is the message and what is the purpose and meaning.
I listened to alot of music that came with a lifestyle of drugs. When I came to Christ I abandoned all secular music there are some songs I don't mind but they serve little purpose for me. Most music I listen to is often an expression of what's going on inside me. So the music I listen I choose for the message as well as the melodies. It goes both ways is the worship we choose a song written about us or is it about Jesus.
Just for future reference, Bach isn’t secular. Beethoven is, but Bach wrote most of his music specifically for the Lutheran church. :)
Thank you! This really helped. I was questioning myself about if the music doesn't affect me negatively if it's good for me.
I LOVE the song “the climb” but because its from miley cyrus i felt scared to listen to it. But the song has SUCH a meaningful message and can be even a biblical message if you read the lyrics
Highly agree. The meaning and lyrics are so IMPORTANT to me.
Love hearing this as a teenage Christian metalhead, who's mother hates any sort of metal metal. I write faith-based music and just personal music, and I believe that both are important. This is absolutely on point. Always depends on the message.
That's part of why I prefer orchestral/instrumental music. There's no message to worry about, just pure emotions being conveyed
I disagree, not because I think we should be adopting negative messages but I think we shouldn’t look away from what’s negative in life rather accept it and analyze it music Is very similar to poetry or reading a book and even when a book is bad you have to recognize for yourself why that is so
No, I think we should take in consideration the lifestyle and motive of those who create the music also
I fully agree. I have been a Christian for 48 years and have gone down the same road as you. The happy birthday song and Beethoven's Seventh Symphony opened my eyes to the principle. I can enjoy an artwork painted by a non-Christian and I can enjoy Dave Brubek's jazz (Brubek was Roman Catholic btw). Conversely, most (not all) popular Christian nusic has lost its ministry effect. I remember the earlier music that sometimes drove me to tears. I miss it.
Point is: Where does the music lead you? Even if the lyrics are wicked, they might draw you closer to god by reminding you of his light, the dark lyrics makes his voice shine all the brighter.
Equally a music piece composed with lyrics of praise for the lord can draw you into darkness.
Mindfulness. Always be mindful and hold your thoughts prisoners for ransom.