Music

As a student pastor, one of the things that I am commonly asked is "should my child only listen to Christian music?" Obviously, everyone has an opinion on this subject. I had someone email me yesterday and ask me about this topic, so I thought I would share with you how I feel.

I am a huge fan of music, first of all. It is one of my addictions. At different points in my life, I have felt differently about this issue. I have gone through phases when I listened to any and everything. There was also the "Christian music only" phase. Now I am somewhere in between the two.

When I was a teenager, I went to a church that took a somewhat legalistic stance on every issue. I was told that I should NEVER listen to anything but Christian music. I really struggled with this because I was not a Michael W. Smith or Amy Grant fan. I wanted to listen to cool music like my friends. I constantly felt like I didn't love Jesus if I listened that stuff.

Then there was the phase where I listened to anything and everything. Believe it or not, I was (and still am) a big fan of rap music. This was not the best idea either. The music I listened to really affected the way that I talked and thought about life. I got in the habit of listening to music that used vulgar language and viewed women as nothing more than an object for man's pleasure.

So, here's where I am today. I really do not believe that you can honestly say that you can find anywhere in the Bible that it says that you cannot listen to "secular" music. I know, I know, some of you will say that we should "not love the world". However, if you believe this way, you need to get rid of your TV, car, cell phone, etc. because none of those things are in the Bible.

However, I do believe that you should use discretion. You won't see me buying the new Snoop Dogg cd. But I was driving down the road today listening to "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi and my Coldplay cd. I could go on and on about this subject.

Parents, what should you do? I would advise you to monitor what your child listens to. Be aware and use those opportunities to teach your student about why certain things are wrong. The bottom line is that they will listen to music other than Christian music. You should be an active part of what they are listening to. Let me know your thoughts.