I was thinking back on when my oldest son, whom is now a teenager, was really young. I had a few kids Bible songs cd’s. I am pretty sure that is how he learned how to spell the word Christian, from one of the songs. Though his favorite was, “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho!” He loved singing that one and did so enthusiastically. I loved listening to him. Now days he still enjoys Christian music, though the music itself sounds much different. He has far out grown the ones from his youth. My youngest also enjoys Christian music and finds his math homework easier to accomplish, when having it playing in the background. Knowing that they have such a love for God that they choose to listen to music that sharpens their faith; is music to my ears.

  There is so much music out there, that is like poison to our faith. The hardest thing about it, is we don’t always realize it. A lot of the songs in today’s society sounds good, however, if we listen to the words, we can be quickly surprised by its meaning. We really have to be careful. I have found myself reading the lyrics to songs I like and then having to no longer listen to them, as they were not in align with my faith and what I know to be morally right. We often stress about what we eat and the things in our food. However, what are we feeding our minds, when we consume songs that go against God? Music is powerful! Which can be a great thing when the lyrics nurture our faith or bring about moral goodness. However, when the music we listen to goes against our faith, however good it sounds, it is not a good thing. It normalizes things that go against God. There is no goodness in that.

 Friend, I too have had to get myself in the habit of looking beyond how a song may sound and focus on the words being sung and their meaning. Even if it is not directly a song of faith, we should ask ourselves; is it morally appropriate? Does it deepen our faith walk? Does it bring about goodness and align with our principles? Once we get ourselves in the habit of listening to what we should fill our mind with; it is in those songs that add further peace and joy to our hearts and minds. As we turn on our source of music, may it truly be a positive influence. Something that is not going to put a wedge on our relationship with God. Instead, may it be something that helps nurture our values, morals, and walk with Him.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.