Psalm 147:7 NLT says, “Sing out your thanks to the Lord; sing praises to our God with a harp.” Yesterday’s Essentials for Living devotional by Pastor Rick Warren talked about Praise and Worship. In the devotional Pastor Rick said, “Christianity is a singing faith. Why? Because it’s not about religion. It’s about a love affair. It’s about a relationship with God, who loves you so much that he sent his son to die for you and who wants you to love Him back.”Did you think of the music you sing or have sung in Church in those terms? I will tell you when I was growing up I definitely didn’t think of “church music” in that way.
So as I dug into this devotional it got me thinking about the power of music. Music, in some form or fashion, has been with us since the beginning of time. It has been and still remains a huge part of my life and I have listened to music for many reasons. I’ve listened to music to lift me up when I’m down, to relax, to pump me up when working out or before a game, to praise my Lord, etc. I was a child of the 80’s, probably the best time for music in my opinion.
One of the genres of music I loved was old school rap. Back then the stories that were told through the music really spoke to me. In some ways it shaped how I grew up, my thoughts, opinions and attitude. At the time I wasn’t really focused on any of that. All I knew was I loved the beat of the music, the rhythm and the words. I would memorize the words in no time and rap right along with the artist. This is no different than what we see from young kids today. Isn’t it amazing how I can still remember the words to a rap song that came out over 30 years ago but don’t ask me to remember a math equation I learned in high school math class. Or for that matter, don’t ask me to remember what I had for lunch every day last week!
Just like the things we read or watch, the things we listen to help shape who we are and what we think whether we realize it or not. Some of the music I listened to and sang along with wasn’t pouring anything positive into me. But I excused it by saying it’s not that bad, I don’t really believe the things I’m singing. It’s just a song, what am I hurting. The answer is you’re hurting your Spirit. What you’re doing is keeping God from pouring into you all He wants to give you. If you are constantly bombarding your Spirit with negative words and images, how can God possibly do a positive work in you?
As I grew in my relationship with Christ I knew there were some things I would have to change. The music I listened to constantly was one of those things. At first I was bummed because I didn’t want to give up the beats that I loved in some of the music I stopped listening to. Then my oldest son sent me a text one morning telling me to check out a Christian rap artist named Lecrae. I had never heard Christian rap so I gave it a try. Wow! I couldn’t believe what I heard. Those same beats I loved were right there but the words were talking about Christ and our love for Him. It was a perfect match for me! That is where I changed up my playlist to more reflect who I want to be and what I want in my Spirit.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying to stop listening to music. On the contrary, I think listening to music is great and I love doing it. But what I’m saying is you have to realize how powerful the words you are hearing and singing are. You have to understand how they are shaping your life and your thoughts.
It’s your choice of course to decide what you want to listen to and I’m not here to make that determination for you. What I want is for each of us to be aware of the impact what we listen to can have. Don’t take if for granted and don’t underestimate it. If you are trying to be more of who God wants you to be and follow His plan you may have to change up what you listen to.
Here is my challenge to you, if the songs you are singing do not represent things you feel and believe in then stop singing it? If it does not represent your character and how you want people to view you, then stop listening to it?
Truth in Love! ~ Chuck