What about secular music?

Music, in its various forms and genres, has been around as much as man himself.

From one generation to another many categories of music that were not known or heard in preceding generations are continually been added to already existing ones.

While some types of music day by day are becoming less popular, others are fast gaining acceptance and popularity.

What however distinguish one type of music from another aside genres are the ‘lyrics’, ’purpose’ and at times the ‘quality’ of the artist or musician.

All these distinguishing factors combining in different permutations have created a lot of controversies in our world today; more questions than answers are been generated.

Paramount among these questions are “what is a good music”, “which artist should I listen to?” ; an answer, right one at that, is necessary because of the important role music plays in shaping our lives.

It does not only supply information to our minds, it also affects or determines our moods and dispositions, thereby influencing how we think, act, or behave.

Expectedly, the church is equally not excused from these arguments.

Many Christians, especially youths want to know which music is good for them, which is not, and why.

Thankfully, the Bible has provided answers to these questions.

Against the general believe, that music in ‘Bible time’ was purposely for worshiping God.

There are nonetheless other uses of music in the Bible.

For instance, when an evil spirit tormented King Saul, David was called to play musical instrument to soothe the king (1Samuel 16: 14-23).

At another instance, the Israelites play musical instruments to warn of danger (Nehemiah 4:20).

At yet another time, to surprise enemies (Judges 7: 16-23).

Even in the New Testament, Apostle Paul admonishes believers to encourage one another with music (Ephesians 5: 19).

That established! what music then should a Christian listen to? Philippians 4:8 has the answer- the verse contains a perfect guide for our choice of music and lyrics – finally, brethren, 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.

Since our mind is the seat of all actions, and the fact that it sends out what we consciously or unconsciously feed it with, then we need to continually scrutinize the content of the songs we listen to, judging it in the light of the above passage.

Lyrics that negate righteousness, purity, excellence, truth, godliness, etc are not good for Christians.

What about ‘apparently good’ secular song? Yes, if the lyrics and contents meet the standard stated above.

Unfortunately, many secular songs as we have them around today are very far from the Philippians 4:8 standard; a good number of them promotes and encourages unhealthy and negative behaviors such as alcoholism, violence, drug abuse, prostitution, indecent dressing, rape, gambling, smoking, pre-marital sex, thuggery, and all forms of social vices.

If any song promotes what God forbids, such is a bad one.

It is worthy of note that Christians are not only encouraged to restrain from depraved secular songs, they are also warned not to applaud or support those that sing such songs, according to Rom 1: 28-32.

Nevertheless, there are secular songs that teach good morals, purity, transparency, integrity, uprightness, national unity, dependability, loyalty, commitment, consistency, patriotism, love, honesty, decency and faithfulness; such can be listened to.

Finally, the best of songs are those that glorify God and preach virtues and values of Christianity; so when you see yourself giving in to the pressure of listening to depraved and immoral secular music, or praising those that sing such music always remember Ephesians 4:8 and Romans 1: 28 – 32.

Owoyemi, popularly known as D.P.O wrote from Abuja via [email protected]