Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Reader's Pick

Okay. I'll give you what I have been learning about music lately.

Country music and rock and all that is definitely not for Christians. But...what about contemporary? There are many mixed discussions on it and I had made a decision. But then was told something else and was confused again. So far, until I happen to find something that says otherwise, contemporary Christian music is JUST as bad as secular music.

John 17:14 says, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

We as Christians are not to be of the world.

Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

So we are not to be conformed, which can mean to do the most accepted thing by everyone. But, we are to be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of our mind so we can do the will of God.

1 John 2:15-16 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the prid of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

So we see in this verse, which is one of my favorites, that if we love the things of the world, the love of God is not in us. Because the world is sinful and we should not follow sin.

So if the contemporary Christian music attracts the sinners of the world, it shows that it is still worldly.

In a Christian book store somewhere around the music section you are sure to find a chart with one side having secular bands on it, with a 'reference' to a Christian band that is similar that you would probably like. So right there is showing that it is worldly if it is compared to the world and that if you like this thing of the world you will like this thing...

So as far as I stand, I try and always listen to orchestral, and misc. stuff that I find that fits my standards.

Not everyone has this strong of standards, but there are others who do because I have talked to them about it.

I hope you all understand everything, and if not please comment with your questions...

~Emily

4 comments:

brclybunch said...

Okay Em,

I never know where to stand on this issue. I see both sides, yet I am still very cautious to what I listen to and what the kids are listening to.

This one of the comments you made "So if the contemporary Christian music attracts the sinners of the world, it shows that it is still worldly." And it kinda makes me think. If contemporary christian music attracts sinners...and they are getting a gospel message...is that wordly? Also a "worldly" person can be attracted to hymns...does that make hymns worldly. I am NOT saying listening to CCM is the way to go...I just have questions that no one has the right or wrong answers for.

Molly Sipling said...

I'm glad that I shared that then, Emily! I've been making it a prayer as well throughout the day when I know that I need to pray it.

As far as your post - you already know where I stand in this area. Contemporary Christian music [and even some Christian rock bands] speak so much to me and I really think that God speaks to me through them as well as to many other people. I love Romans 12:2. It's actually me and my friend's Bible Study's verse. True, we need to not be conformed to this world and we need to constantly be renewing our minds. And I have been trying to be careful with the music that I listen to because I realize that it affects my thought life. But how neat is it to be going about your daily life and words from a really good inspirational Christian song come to your mind and just uplift you? I don't know, Emily... I just don't think that there's anything wrong with contemporary Christian music in general. But like I said before, I don't go by the label because some of the music I don't think should be considered Christian. That's just how I feel. I realize that you feel different and I respect your opinion.

Sorry for the long comment. I'll talk to you later, Emily. <3

On a Joyful Journey! said...

I Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." It would be easy for me to share my personal beliefs concerning the area of music, but at this point it seems more productive to mention something the choir director at my church in NC said many years ago... He was teaching a series on music in a Sunday School class and I remember the excitement in my heart, thinking that he was going to teach us what we should and shouldn't listen to. But, he didn't... Throughout the series, he emphasized our relationship with the Lord and how growth in the Lord changes our thinking in specific areas of life, music included. The main point was that the closer we grow in our relationship with the Lord (the process of sanctification after salvation) the more our music will reflect that and the more we will focus on what pleases Him instead of what makes us feel good, have good emotions, etc. The focus turns to Christ instead of what the music does for us in essence. Yes, there are many different Scripture teachings on music (Psalms in particular...) that I have read applied in several different ways, but am I primarily focused on how my music reflects my personal relationship with the Lord. It is so vital that we are molding our standards - music or otherwise - in a way that assures the watching unsaved world (and saved for that matter)that we live a "cross-centered" life and that our relationship with Him is the priority of our lives. Am I working toward this goal as I learn more of Who Christ is and by His grace accomplish living for the Lord each day? Just something to ponder... To God be the glory for all He is doing in our hearts and may He continue to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. For Christ's sake, Lisa

brclybunch said...

Where are you Em? I thought this was supposed to be "daily thoughts" ;-0

~~Heather~~