Focal Verse: "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive." (1 Corinthians 10:23)
I was listening to K-love this morning on the way to work, as I normally do, and MercyMe happened to be live in the studio. Right as I was about to arrive at work, they sang one of their hits, "So Long Self." I love that song and listened to it so much when I was pregnant that I was sure Drew would come out of the womb with the lyrics memorized (or else he could have been traumatized by his Mom singing along with MercyMe the line that says "there's no room for two so you are going to have to move"). As I was listening to the song, I was reminded of how much Christian music has meant in my Christian life over the last two decades.
As I was pondering this, I recalled the number of conversations lately I've had, discussing whether it is "okay" for us as Christians to listen to mainstream music.
Now before I continue with that thought, I have to admit that in my much-younger years, I was a big fan of Paula Abdul, M.C. Hammer, and Vanilla Ice. I sang "Cold Hearted Snake" way before I had any idea what I was singing. But when I was around middle school, I was introduced to some Christian music that blazed the trail to the contemporary Christian music we have today - specifically D.C. Talk, Carman, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Even now when I hear some of the Christian songs of the 90s, I remember how this music really helped me stay focused in my impressionable teen years. I can't count the number of songs that God has used to make a profound impact on my life.
So back to my original discussion. Is it "okay" for Christians to listen to mainstream music? When I get into these discussions, I try to point out that it's not always a matter of whether it's "permissible," but whether it is "beneficial."
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23: "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive." I can't count the number of times when the Holy Spirit has brought a truth to my mind through a song that I didn't realize I knew. Many Christian songs are based on Bible verses or even have Bible verses in the lyrics, so in essence listening to some types of Christian music aids us in memorizing Scripture. I also look at my mindset. As I listen to uplifting, encouraging music, it keeps my focus on God and the things of God, and it helps me have the right attitude and perspective in other areas of my life.
I'm definitely not critizing all mainstream songs. After all, some of my favorite songs were songs I shared with my dad - "Centerfield" and "We didn't start the fire" to name a couple. And where would we be without songs like "Butterfly Kisses?" But we must be vigilant. I think when we listen to a mainstream song, a good rule of thumb is if we're having to rationalize how it won't affect us, that should be our cue that maybe we should turn the station.
Consider another verse that is well worth memorizing. This verse provides a measuring stick for all kinds of thoughts and behaviors, but it can definitely be applied to the music we listen to: "Finally, brothers, 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" (Philippians 4:8).
The thing that most people don't understand about Christian music is that it has come a long way since classic hymns and southern gospel. You can find just about any genre of music you enjoy in the realm of Christian music. Even mainstream movies like The Transporter and The Chronicles of Narnia are using songs from artists like TobyMac and Jeremy Camp, respectively. That tells you that even the secular movies are seeing that the style line between Christian and secular music is less defined. The difference between the two is the message and the "beneficial" effect it will have on our lives.
One other thing. As I was listening to MercyMe this morning, I couldn't help but feel a bond with this band I have never met. It's a Christian bond that even through the airwaves, I felt that I wasn't alone. Listening to Christian music gives me that extra encouragement I need in the midst of a secular workplace.
So, if everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial, will we make a conscious effort to choose the beneficial?
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