I was recently at Crosswalk.com and I ran across an article about secular music. I have heard several stories of people throwing away their secular CD’s when they became Christian or started to really walk with the Lord, and that is perfectly fine if that’s their conviction, but I found these guidelines interesting:
- Take secular music seriously. Realize that even though some of it can be offensive, people are singing about genuine thoughts and feelings that reflect the views of many other people who are searching for God. Don’t ignore secular music just because it’s secular; listen with interest and objectivity.
- Whenever you hear a song that mentions some aspect of relating to God, take some time to ponder its message. Consider what needs underlie the thoughts and feelings the song expresses. Then ask God to bring to mind other people you know who are struggling with those same thoughts and feelings. Ask God to help you better understand those people and to reveal ways you can help point them to Him.
- Listen to how secular music portrays God. Compare each song’s portrayal with the truth revealed in Scripture. If a song portrays God inaccurately, think about why that might be so. Ask God to show you how to sensitively guide people who don’t truly know Him into a real relationship with Him so they can discover who He is. Actively seek to know God more yourself each day. Think about one thing you’ve recently learned about God that surprised you, then consider how you might share that insight with others.
- Think about the social issues that secular songs address, such as war, greed, hunger, racism, and disease. Then consider how well the worldwide Christian community is responding to such issues, and resolve to make a positive contribution yourself.
