It is not right for Christians to listen to secular music that does not glorify or praise God. This is because whatever you listen to ultimately influences your thought patterns and, subsequently, your actions. The Bible urges us to jealously guard our hearts against things that do not glorify God. This is according to Proverbs 4:23, that says
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
What you allow into your heart determines what comes out when you speak or sing. This is in accordance with the words of Jesus Christ found in Matthew 12:34–35, which say:
“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things.”
From this passage, we learn that, in order for your heart to bring forth good things, you must only deposit good treasure into it.
Thus, if you deposit good music into your heart—secular, praise, or worship—that is what you will bring forth.
Now, before listening to any secular music, consider the following three factors about the music:
- Purpose
- Content of the lyrics
- Style
What is the purpose of the music?
Before listening to any kind of secular music, first ask yourself this question: What is the aim of the song? What does the song seek to promote?
Any secular music that promotes the works of flesh like adultery, contentions, dissensions, drunkenness, envy, fornication, hatred, heresies, idolatry, jealousies, lewdness, murders, outbursts of wrath, revelries, selfish ambitions, sorcery, uncleanness, and the like should be a no-go zone for any true Christian. Where is this coming from, you ask?
These works have been listed in Galatians 5:19–21, which says:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like, of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
On the other hand, if the secular music in question promotes faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, kindness, longsuffering, love, peace, and self-control, then, it is okay to listen to it (Galatians 5:22).
Secular music that promotes diligence, integrity, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom based on the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes can also build you up and strengthen you to achieve your set goals. Such songs can also challenge you to become a better person in life.
Content of the lyrics
Basically, the content of the lyrics refers to the words constituting the music. Most secular songs use vulgar lyrics that are very unpleasant to the ears of the listeners. Therefore, listening to such music is wrong because it will not only corrupt you but also grieve the Holy Spirit who lives in you.
The secular music you listen to should be able to impart grace, not only to you but to other listeners as well. This is according to Ephesians 4:29–31, which says:
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
Another scripture you can use to determine the kind of secular music to listen to is Philippians 4:4:8, which says:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.”
This passage teaches that you should meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Therefore, it is alright to listen to secular music with lyrics that promote issues that are of good report, just, lovely, noble, pure, and true.
Concerning secular love songs, the Song of Solomon gives a hint about what is acceptable. You can go through the book and see for yourself what it teaches. For example, this is what we find in Song of Solomon 1:2–3:
“Let him kiss me with kisses from his mouth, for your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, your name is ointment poured forth; therefore, the virgins love you.”
Some conservatives who have never read the Song of Solomon may find these words uncomfortable, if not offensive, but they are not! Otherwise, they would never have been included in the Bible.
So, a secular song based on the words we find in the Song of Solomon would be just fine.
Style of the Music
There are several genres of music that a gospel artist can choose from to write his or her song. These can be classical, country, rap, reggae, or rock. The Bible does not prefer one genre over another as long as the intention of the song is to praise and glorify God.
There are people who believe that the following styles of music are evil: rap, reggae, and rock. The problem is that this claim has no scriptural backing and is based on heresies. Such individuals cite the dancing style and instruments used in creating this kind of music.
The Scriptures beg to differ as far as this issue is concerned. How? We learn from the scriptures that King David danced to the LORD with all his might. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 6:14, which says:
“Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.”
And also 2 Samuel 6:16: which says
“Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.”
The question is, What kind of music do you think was being played? fast-paced or slow-paced? I bet it was fast paced music. So why do some people have a problem with music created using rap, reggae, or rock styles as long as it is meant to praise God?
Therefore, as long as the object of the music is to glorify God, the genre does not matter.
Secondly, the Bible urges us to praise God using any kind of instrument we can lay our hands on, as indicated in Psalm 150:3-5. This scripture says,
“Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with lute and harp; praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes; praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals.”
Accordingly, the kind of instrument used in creating a particular song should not be an issue at all. This means that any instrument is appropriate as long as the music is directed towards praising and glorifying God.
Conclusion
This article sought to establish whether it is right for Christians to listen to secular music. We have established that there are three important things to consider when answering this question: the purpose of the music, the content of the lyrics, and the style of the music. If the purpose of the song is to praise and glorify God, then it is okay. If the content of the lyrics is in line with the scriptures, the song is fine. The style of the music is a bit controversial, but if it is directed towards praising God, then it is okay to listen to the song. All in all, if the Holy Spirit in you is comfortable, rest assured that the music is fine. As a Christian, if your heart does not condemn you while listening to a particular secular song, then it is okay. This is according to 1 John 3:21, which says:
“Beloved, if our heart does condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
However, when you feel condemnation while listening to a particular secular song, you better stop.
I leave you with the words of Psalms 19:14 that say:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
I hope the information was helpful. Thank you.
Related Post: Is watching a movie as a Christian a sin
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Prayer to become a born-again Christian
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness;
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I believe that you were sent of your Father to the earth to save sinners like me;
I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.
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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen!”
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Benediction
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The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
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(Numbers 6:24-26)
Shalom.
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/
My name is Nicodemus. I'm a Kenyan by birth. I got saved about 30 years ago while in high school. I love studying scriptures in order to enhance my comprehension of God and His plan for mankind. I have a BSc in botany, zoology, and chemistry from the University of Nairobi and an MBA in strategic management from Egerton University. I’m married to a lovely lady called Leah. God has gifted us with three sons: Wayne, Salem, and Michael.
