Does It Really Matter?
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 ESV
Many people often ask questions in regards to the appropriateness of their ability to listen to secular music. Usually, these questions are received from those who still haven’t been able to comprehend the importance of a properly enriched spiritual diet. It reflects not on the longevity of one’s salvation experience; but on their level of spiritual maturity, as well as their ability to discern the effectiveness that music has on the soul of man.
God has created us with the ability to respond to the sound music in a fashion that we respond to no other stimuli. Everything that is living reacts to the sound of music... plants, animals and of course people. Music is considered a universal language. Why? Perhaps because in all actuality, music emanates from the spirit of the writer. Therefore, as a child of God – one of my main concerns should be to mimic my Father – in every aspect of life. So, how can secular music; which has been produced from the spirit and soul of one who is in direct opposition to my Father; be of any sincere benefit to me? For example: If I believe; as the Bible states that God is love (I John 4:8); how can someone who doesn’t know God, even begin to tell me ANYTHING about love?
If I am still finding the necessity to seek comfort, enjoyment, relaxation etc. from something that was composed by one who does not know nor have a relationship with my God – what is that saying about how I value my spirit-man? How much value am I placing on my relationship with God? Am I saying that God is limited in His ability to produce those whose music has the potential fulfill my every need? Or have I not matured to the extent that I no longer require the crutch of secular music? Or have I not really become aware of the fact that by me yielding my ear gate to secular music, that I am willingly opening an entrance for the enemy? Have I not realized that this may be one of the “openings in my perimeter” that the enemy is using to gain access? We must never forget that we are constantly… (24/7... 365) engaged in a spiritual battle. Sadly to say, our adversary knows the importance of our relationship with the Lord and recognizes its relevance more than most of us!
In this era where we are constantly bombarded with various “instruments” (ideas, legislative rulings, spirits of err, etc.) which are directly contrary to those of the Lord; we must be alert and on our guard for anything that will attempt to divert our attention and devotion from the Lord.
Hebrews 12:1 explains it this way:“…… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”.
Sooo….. Could secular music one of those weights? You be the judge!
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