I really like music. Like really! Not as much as I like food, but it's really close. Music is food to my soul.
I grew up in a household where secular music wasn't permitted. Okay, maybe permitted isn't the right word. I should say 'encouraged'. Channel O and MTV were blocked in my house. I grew up listening to a lot of Don Moen and Ron Kenoly. Pause! Song break! "Sing Out the Lord is near, Build Him a temple Here! A palace of praise, a throne of thanksgiving made for the King of kings!" What do you know about old school gospel music? Hehehe!
Anyway, I got older and became exposed to other kinds of music. First song I ever really knew was 'Boo' by Usher and Alicia Keys. LOL. I loved that song. Sean Paul was my absolute fave. Till this day, I can't listen to a Sean Paul song and not move my body just a little until I realize it's inappropriate. LOL.
So what is the big deal about listening to 'secular music'?
I do not think as a Christian you only have to listen to 'christian songs'. I really like songs that exalt God I do. It is what I mostly listen to. Like 90% of the time. Infact, all the songs on my phone are songs that glorify God.This doesn't make me a better Christian. It's just the result of a decision i made 3 years ago. However, sometimes, I just like to sit in my bed, with a box of cookies, a glass of milk, and listen to/watch my Westlife playlist on YouTube. I know it's so sappy but I am such a cheese ball. I really like love songs. The make me so happy. Not all though. I do not like John Legend's 'All of me'. Don't shoot me yet. I know everyone and their sister loves it. How is it that Oprah loves it and I don't? Well, I think it is too intense. LOL. The line 'You are my end and my beginning' just really bugs me. It's like, he's gonna hurt you, then hurt himself if you decide to walk away or something. LOL. Anyway, I digress. I am going to go straight to the point in the next paragraph. I promise.
I think when it comes to music, you should examine the lyrics of the song. Does it dishonour God? This has always been my yardstick for knowing what song to listen to. If your fave artiste is singing songs that outright discredits Jesus as the Saviour, or sings songs that encourages sexual immorality, you need to do a heart check. Why are you listening to those songs? Do the songs you listen to feed the lust of your flesh?
There was a song I used to like a lot. Sounds like Hot Pot! *wink* In high school, my friends used to look at me and pull me up to dance every time this song came on.It was MY song! LOL.Ah! Thank Jesus for Redemption. Anyway, I was shopping a couple of days ago, and the song came on. While in the fitting room, I found myself dancing and singing. I suddenly felt convicted. How was I supposed to walk up to the girl who worked at the store or anyone in the fitting room to talk about Jesus after they had just heard me sing and seen me dance to those songs that clearly went against what I believed.
I went to church on Saturday and the Pastor said something about the music we listen to and I felt convicted all over again. Why do you listen to the songs you listen to? How do the songs you listen to make you feel? So, you just like the song because of the rhythm and you don't really dwell on the lyrics but how does it make God feel? I always think about how my actions make God feel. And I know in my heart that while I never really paid attention to or dwell on the lyrics of the hot 'pot' song, it didn't glorify Him or make Him happy. How can someone outrightly discredit Jesus in his song, and you as a christian, still buy their album, go to their concerts and promote them? It's ridiculous, Really! I know it could be a struggle to give up your kind of music but you can do it by His grace. It was a bit of a struggle for me but I had to make a decision and I went rogue! I did not want to have any song that didn't glorify God on my phone, Westlife included. Hehe. It was some kind of detox and for a long while, I only listened to the songs on my phone and iPod, and I can honestly tell you it helped me so much in my walk with Christ. When my mind wants to wander off to unholy territory, I am easily convicted because I have been feeding my mind with edifying songs.
Okay, I am done :) If you are looking to expand your christian music library, you could check out some of my favourite artistes/Band - Vertical Church Band, Christ Tomlin, Elevation Worship, Bethel, Paul Baloche New Life Worship, Hillsong, Ron Kenoly, Don Moen, Jesus Culture, Kari Jobe, Misty Edwards, Jaye Thomas, and Tye Triibbett. I am not a huge fan of rap but if you like rap, you should totally check out PurposeMC on Noisetrade!If you like Techno, check out O'Neil Donald on Noise Trade. O'Neil and PurposeMC's albums can be downloaded for free too. So cop their albums :)
Verse of the week
Philipians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise
Video of the week
We sang this song at church this weekend and it's my new favourite song. It's been on repeat for the past couple of days. It''s called Forever by Kari Jobe and Brian Johnson.
Forever He is glorified
Forever He is lifted high
Forever He is risen
He is alive, He is alive
Forever He is lifted high
Forever He is risen
He is alive, He is alive
We sing Hallelujah, we sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
God bless you all!
Have a great week :*
