If you know me well, you’ll know that I am incredibly passionate about music. My love for music most definitely began and continues to be shaped by my Dad’s vast eclectic musical tastes. Growing up (and still to this day), my dad and I sit down in the living room just listening and grooving to his records.
We often have very in-depth and insightful conversations about music, from the lyrical content to the history of an instrument and many more topics. However, one talking point that has at times divided opinions and has caused many heated discussions (trust me, I have been in the middle of a few!) is, ‘does God love secular music?’
DISCLAIMER: I’m not at all saying that this post is right or wrong or will even begin to cover the depth of this huge topic. As mentioned before, there are soooo many differing opinions, but I do think there are a few important things to touch on and discuss.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says ‘whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ As your relationship with God becomes deeper, more intimate and more trusting of him, naturally every part of your life wants to glorify him. It can be a hard thing to do, as we all know ‘the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak;’ thank goodness He gives us strength because boiii… lol. When it says ‘whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (note the emphasis on whatever and all), it literally means EVERYTHING! Listening, singing, playing or however you enjoy music is included in that ‘whatever’ action you do, so consider and discern where music does and doesn’t glorify God. Glorifying God is not just in words but in thoughts, deeds, and actions also.
My beloved iPod classic is filled with literally thousands of songs, but as my relationship with God has deepened over the years I’ve had to delete songs that I knew didn’t glorify God and didn’t make me better in any way. I’m not going to lie, it was hard! Some of these songs were serious bangers! I’m not suggesting you delete your whole iTunes library, but for some you may decide to not listen to secular music at all, and that’s okay.
It is important to work out your salvation for yourself as it says in Philippians 2:12. Different people have different convictions about certain subject matters and who are we to judge their thoughts and beliefs if it results in them drawing closer, being obedient and trusting God.
Growing up, Philippians 4:8 was our ‘family scripture.’ It has put my life in good stead and has provided great foundational guidance. It says: ‘Whatever is true, noble and right, whatever is pure, lovely and admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, meditate on such things.’ I think these words speak for themselves, meditate on things that will improve, uplift and encourage you! So does God love mainstream music? I think it’s safe to say definitely not all of it, but music that uplifts and encourages, I’m sure He delights to listen!
