In my early twenties, I liked to listen to Richard Marks’ music. However, I once bought a tape of his that did not set right in my spirit. I asked the Lord to show me if this was not the right type of music to listen to. And He did. My tape player ate the tape.
But I did not “get it”. I went out and bought another tape. And the same thing happened again, although my tape player was not “eating” other tapes. It was at that time that I recalled my prayer. So I threw the second one away and did not replace it.
The music I listen to has a lot to do with my spiritual condition. It gets into my mind and spirit and can really affect the way I live my life. I Corinthians 6:12 says, Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything. Just because music sounds good, does not make it good. Exodus 15:3 tells us, The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him. The words I speak, sing, and listen to need to glorify the Lord. If they do not, then it does not matter what it sounds like. In Psalms 145:21 we are told, My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise His Holy Name for ever and ever. Whenever I hear music now that does not bring praise to the Lord, I quickly turn it off. It makes me feel bad because I was created to praise the Lord, as it says in Psalm 108:3, I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples.
I also like to listen to country music. But not all country music is good either. Because so many songs talk about a lifestyle I do not approve of, I cannot listen to country radio very long. Music can draw me in through the beat or melody, so if it does not have a good message, it can have me dwelling on negative things instead of concentrating on God. The Bible says, in Romans 7:14-15, We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
And the Bible clearly says, in I Thessalonians 5:17-18, 21-22, Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus … Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. And in I Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. So I listen to worship and praise music most all the time. It is automatic now. I even find myself having to turn the radio from talk radio because the people on the air sometimes say things I do not want to hear. This is in response to God’s command in James 4:7, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
That is because what we hear can be life altering. That is why I am very thankful the Lord answered my prayer and stopped me from listening to music such as Richard Marks. Music seems to have a real power to affect people’s behavior and emotions. I have heard how people who listen to particular types of music ended up doing awful things. Music can also begin to influence thoughts and actions, even if you do not end up doing awful things.
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall -- I Corinthians 8:13. If I listen to certain types of music in the presence of others, especially those who are weaker in the Lord, it might cause them to believe that it is OK to listen to those negative types of music. If this affects their walk, then I would be responsible. So, as Paul says in I Corinthians 9:27 -- No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, I choose not to listen to songs with “unclean” lyrics. For if unsaved people around me heard me listening to that kind of music, it might also cause them to question my walk, which would hurt my testimony. And I want to have a positive influence on those around me. As Paul says in Philippians 4: 8-9, Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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