Music and its Influence in Our Lives

[Desperaux]

MUSIC AND ITS INFLUENCE IN OUR LIVES

We have a desire to change our lifestyle when we come to Christ and seek a deeper relationship with Him, but sometimes we don’t know how. Our leaders need to teach us about the influence of secular music over our lives. For many, music is their main hobby, and it’s hard for us to imagine how to handle this aspect now that we are believers. Music was created by God, but twisted by Satan to deceive many, and to steal the worship that only God deserves. We have to keep in mind the fact that we have music, rhythm, in each part of our body: breathing, in our heartbeat, in each molecule of our being. Because we have music within us, we are attracted to different melodies and rhythms. It is natural to us because God created us that way.

We can’t forbid ourselves to listen to music, but we do have to know how to use it in a way that won’t bring us negative consequences. Music will influence our behaviour. For example, people with nervous disorders or with hyperactive children can play soft music to calm them and to reduce anxiety. Frequently we move our feet, fingers, or head to the rhythms that we listen to, and we unconsciously sing songs that we may not even like! We do it because that song sticks in our minds.


THE ENEMY’S PLAN THROUGH MUSIC:

Satan made a plan to get inside our minds and hearts through music, so that he can control our behaviours, and rule our lives. Then he is able to lead us to his original purpose of destruction and death, both physically and spiritually. Satan wants to steal everything that we love…our families, feelings, friends, and finally ourselves as people.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.


SATAN’S PURPOSES FOR MUSIC:

TO STEAL GOD’S PRAISE AND THE ABUNDANT LIFE OF THE NEW BELIEVER

Satan will steal the honour and worship that belongs only to God, by getting us to sing and dance to melodies that glorify the enemy. These songs have direct messages that proclaim sins that God hates, such as fornication, adultery, sexual sins, unforgiveness, and revenge. This is how he steals the souls of God’s followers, and takes away the abundant life that Jesus made possible on the cross.

When we sing songs with messages such as, “feel me, please me”, we put words and pictures in our minds that will awaken our flesh, our passions, and sexual sins, with the goal of making us slaves to sin again. In my experience, I have seen that the person that can’t renounce secular music still has the world in his heart, and that person’s Lord is not God, but music. It is our responsibility to watch ourselves---to evaluate if what we sing or what we are filling our minds with would be the same thing that Jesus would fill His life with if He were in our place.

Luke 11:23
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters. (Scatters away from the Truth and also leads others away from Truth)

There was a young girl who began to walk with God. She went to an "Encounter with God" weekend and saw God’s power in her life which helped her quit everything that was not beneficial to her life, such as secular music and a boyfriend who would constantly call her when he was drunk. In spite of this, she allowed certain kinds of freedoms for herself with secular music, especially the dance kind. This caused hr to re-enter her old lifestyle, once again awakening in her the desire for parties with her old friends, her old boyfriend and other things that didn’t please God. Her end was very sad. She ended up without God, without a boyfriend, and with a son who had no father. This young lady wasted her life and destroyed God’s plan for her life. She made music and her boyfriend her god.


IT WILL DESTROY THE LIVES OF ITS FOLLOWERS

Music has the power to destroy its listeners. Mick Jagger, the “Lucifer of Rock”, said, “We always work to lead peoples’ minds and wills. The majority of other groups do the same.” In concerts, people are led through music to do things that they wouldn’t normally do. Young people, for example, will strip themselves naked, or will have sex, or do drugs, or engage in violent acts. Not only does it affect their actions, but also it makes them feel depressed, like failures, and lonely, discontent and suicidal.


IT SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY KILLS ITS FOLLOWERS

The person who spends the entire day listening to secular music feels the desire to do what he listens to. If he listens to music that speaks about things that can’t be, sadness, frustration, and the pain that life has given him, he will end up depressed, bitter, drinking, or committing suicide.

I know a case of a young high school student who lived with his brothers. He had very bad friends. One day he began to feel a deep loneliness. He began to attend rock concerts where young people fought and did drugs. After a period of time, this young boy said to his family that he had made a serious commitment, and without any explanation, he shot himself the next day. The enemy accomplishes his plan of killing those who fall into his trap by convincing them to end their lives and by killing the hope in them of ever finding a better life. He takes us to a place of torment where we can never leave!

Many believers fall into Satan’s trap. They think that they are strong enough to resist temptation. They think that they can rule their lives, but they end up slaves of their pasts (alcohol, illicit sex, violence, and evil) just like all the rest. They become sons of the devil, and they lose the life that Jesus gave them on the cross. God wants to give us abundant life. You can experience it when you fill your mind with things that edify and build you up. Music should bring you comfort, peace, bring you closer to God, and make you a better person.


CHRISTIAN MUSIC IS A TRANSMITTER OF LIFE:

TRANSMITS PEACE AND CALMS YOUR SPIRIT

Music influences our emotions and our mood…what we listen to will determine our thoughts, actions and attitudes. King Saul, for example, when he stopped walking with God, lost his protection and an evil spirit came over him to torment him. Only when David played music for him did he feel any relief, as the evil spirit would leave him. (1Samuel 16:23) When we play Christian music, we release the presence of God over our lives and our home. We cast out every spirit so that we can feel the peace of the presence of God.

Just like Saul, music can have a good influence, and we will feel better.


IT’S A USEFUL TOOL TO WIN SOULS

There is some excellent Christian music out there… music that is pleasant to the ear, and is also a positive influence. We can share this music with non-believers, because its quality is as good if not better than that of secular music. It is an eye-opener to those who believe that Christian music is boring or mediocre. God is the God of excellence!

In 1996, the sports arena in Bogota, Colombia hosted a Christian group called Petra. As they did a presentation with the objective of evangelizing and showing the world a different musical alternative, the impact in those who attended, including the media, was strong! There were positive comments made about the quality of Petra’s music, and the spirit moved in the concert and there was a distinctly felt peace. After the concert, more than 800 people accepted Christ.

IT TRANSMITS MESSAGES THAT EDIFY

1Corinthians 6:1
Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

When we choose our music, we must choose those messages that make you feel better as a person, bringing you confidence, giving you strength, and drawing you close to God with its music and lyrics.


HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH MUSIC NOW THAT YOU’RE A CHRISTIAN?

1. Don’t allow small compromises with secular music. You will be easily trapped by it.
2. Determine to think on other things when you have to listen to secular music.
3. Don’t listen to music that will bring memories of the past that can take you back to your old practices. It brings a grieving or an unhealthy nostalgia where you could easily glory in past sin.
4. Do things before God, keeping transparency in every area. Be conscious that the Holy Spirit sees all things, and He is there to help you be faithful.
5. When you don’t want to contaminate your heart, speak in other tongues in your mind, memorize Bible verses, and think on the good thing that god has given you or others. These things will edify you.
6. Destroy the music that made you a slave to sin in the past. Believe that God is powerful, and that He can give you much more than all we can ask or understand!
7. Buy good Christian music, according to your taste, and listen to Christian radio stations.

Acts 19:19
A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.


Additional Notes:
Recommended book to read: “ The Rebirth of Music”, by Lamar Boschman ISBN 0914903802

1. The first musician: Lucifer
Ezekiel 28:12b-18, Isaiah 14:11-14
- He was extremely beautiful
- He was an angel of music…tambourines, pipes and 6-stringed harps were built into his body.
- He was the worship leader (the cherub that covers)
- Responsible that there was a continual worship and praise before the Throne.
- Led angels in constant praise and worship
- Any other reason for music was an abomination…a violation. Music was only to glorify God.
2. The fall of Lucifer
- His pride: Isaiah 14:12-14 (“ I will…”)
- Cast out of heaven: Isaiah 14:15
- Ezekiel 28:14-19
- Music fell as well, and became secular at hat time. He began to create music for himself, and for his own glory. Revelation 12:7-9
3. The spirit of Pride
-Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 16:18; 29:23; Isaiah 2:17
4. Music and the spiritual realm: Affects our spirit
a. Satanic Influence: John 4:24; John 8:44
- Just as the Holy Spirit falls upon us in worship, so the devil can cause an evil unction to fall on us in secular music. It is not a counterfeit, but real and powerful.
- John 10:10: He comes to steal, kill and destroy (all with lies)...that is his manifesto

b. Music and God’s Presence:
- Psalms 100:2; 95: 2; 100:4; 22:3
- We are to approach God with worship, adoration and praise.
5. What kind of music should a Christian listen to?
- Listen to music that has a different spirit and a different purpose! Music that leads to and celebrates life and hope!
- 3 types of songs:
i. Songs of the World: Pretty love songs, Nothing wrong with them—expressing love and admiration for a person or objects on a natural level.
ii. Songs of the Flesh: Lust or dirty
iii. Songs of the Devil: Dark, evil, blasphemic, exalting Lucifer, death, suicide and murder…1 John 2:16-17; Proverbs 23:7

6. Questions to consider when choosing music to listen to:
a. What is the spirit behind the song?
b. Who or what does it exalt? The world? The flesh? The devil? Jesus?
c. Does it edify the believer? Philippians 4:8
Make a choice to have a positive answer to all questions!

Acts 19:19
Deuteronomy 7:26

[waslostnowfound]

Good morning Despereaux!! Great post and great topic! This subject is very interesting to me.

Not knowing which way this thread will go, I want to ask a couple questions. First, do you consider music a gift from God and if so do you consider it a good gift that has been distorted by the secular community?

Also, what about we as humans being drawn away by our own desires and enticed? Doesn't this come from within and should we blame the music itself? Don't misunderstand my questions, I also feel that secular music is a terrible influence on our society.

My musical tastes seemed to change overnight upon my salvation. I no longer wanted to listen to the music which had brought me so much joy and euphoria. I began listening to christian music and now love the artists, music and songs I hear on K-Love and similar stations.

The problem I face is my workplace. My coworkers are into heavy metal and stuff like that. Sometimes I hijack the radio and can get them to listen to the oldies station once in a while, but christian music is out of the question. I don't feel like secular music is a threat to my salvation, and I witness to my coworkers throughout the day.

I pick and choose my battles at work. How do I address this problem?

When I hear songs I grew up with I still sing along and experience some of the joy I once did, but I don't feel they are a threat to me. I trust God to finish the good work He began in me. Maybe I am wrong in letting those things remain a small part of my new life, but I don't see how I can escape it. Music is such a large part of this fallen world!

How do you feel about this Des?

God Bless!!

Craig

[Desperaux]

Good morning Despereaux!! Great post and great topic! This subject is very interesting to me.

Thank you!

Not knowing which way this thread will go, I want to ask a couple questions. First, do you consider music a gift from God and if so do you consider it a good gift that has been distorted by the secular community?

Music is a gift of God for us all. Some of us have been given a major gift of music, while others do not have a specific gift, but we are all called to employ it in worshiping our Father.

It is indeed a perfect thing of God that has been rendered ugly by Satan who took music to glorify himself.

Also, what about we as humans being drawn away by our own desires and enticed? Doesn't this come from within and should we blame the music itself? Don't misunderstand my questions, I also feel that secular music is a terrible influence on our society.

Yes, we are bombarded with the flesh. We don't blame the music--we need to blame the perverter of it. We also need to blame ourselves for not guarding our "ear gates". Yes, secular music doesn't have much value to us as believers.

My musical tastes seemed to change overnight upon my salvation. I no longer wanted to listen to the music which had brought me so much joy and euphoria. I began listening to christian music and now love the artists, music and songs I hear on K-Love and similar stations.

Amen!

The problem I face is my workplace. My coworkers are into heavy metal and stuff like that. Sometimes I hijack the radio and can get them to listen to the oldies station once in a while, but christian music is out of the question. I don't feel like secular music is a threat to my salvation, and I witness to my coworkers throughout the day.

I pick and choose my battles at work. How do I address this problem?

Yes, we need to pick our battles, don't we? You are being wise there!

Secular music can be a threat to some who may have a weakness in their minds, where they have memories that music stirs up, and causes them to act on their nostalgia, or to act on desires that are unruly and stirred by certain music.

When we are in places that secular music is played, and we have no control over it, we can ask the Lord to help us not to be influenced by it. The Holy Spirit in us is a great "buffer"!

When I hear songs I grew up with I still sing along and experience some of the joy I once did, but I don't feel they are a threat to me. I trust God to finish the good work He began in me. Maybe I am wrong in letting those things remain a small part of my new life, but I don't see how I can escape it. Music is such a large part of this fallen world!

How do you feel about this Des?

There is much music of my childhood that seems innocent enough and I have fun memories. But as I grew up and began to walk away from God, the world's music loomed larger than it should have in my life. Much of the music of the sixties and seventies brings back images of my sin and heartbreaks. Therefore since I have returned to the Lord Jesus Christ, I am devoted only to music that glorifies God.

[waslostnowfound]

Thanks for the feedback Despereaux!! There is a lot of wisdom in your words!

As far as Satan and the term Lucifer is concerned, I have some interpretal issues with that comparison and if it's okay with you I would like to keep that in a different thread. Absolutely no disrespect intended!

That being said, I absolutely believe that Satan influences and uses such a large medium as the music industry to keep his stronghold on unbelievers. How do we as messengers and examples of the love of Jesus combat such a behemoth! Music invades every facet of our lives. At the grocery store, on hold with the cable company ( always something awful...LOL), or in my case at work constantly. I agree we need to use an "ear guard", but this can be a gargantuan task! Could it more accurately be called a "heart guard"?

I wonder if there is some way we can use the secular music to reach the people who listen to it. Can we reach the headbangers through their musical tastes or are their eyes blinded to even the thought of Jesus and his atonement for our sins.

Do you think this may be playing with fire?

I have a specific individual in mind. He plays in a metal band and works as a cook in my kitchen to pay his bills. He is a good worker but a drug user and says he is an athiest but we discuss our different beliefs on a regular basis. I think he is a good candidate for conversion but he is very young and is deeply influenced by his culture. I can't help but think I could reach him through his music. How could I do this?

Music is such a joy and blessing to us. I hate to think that it should be avoided instead of used for God's goodness.

Thanks again and God bless Despereaux!

[Desperaux]

My son-in-law is an unbeliever. When he first came into the family, he had no idea about God whatsoever! My daughter was not walking with God, but then she came back to Him---praise the Lord!

We have found that he is very much into some of the Christian music that my daughter listens to, and our church worships to. so we buy him that. It is the style he loves, and I am convinced that the message inherent in it, and the anointing in it will soften His heart and speak to His spirit about the need for the Saviour. All of our continued walking before him will culminate one day in his profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

So...as to your question about the headbangers!---Yes, we can reach them with music that is produced for Christ in a style that they relate to. We Christians serve a great God and we have His excellence running through us. We can produce excellent music for Him that will appeal to the sinner's heart.

[waslostnowfound]

Does anyone know of any headbanger heavy metal christian bands out there?? I'm sure there are but I am not aware of them. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know there are some really good crossover bands such as Switchfoot and Sanctus Real, but they are still more mainstream than the stuff I get bombarded with at work.

Maybe this would be a great tool to plant a seed.

If I need to start a different thread then just let me know.

Desperaux, in keeping with the topic, what do you do with the emotions that those old songs bring out in you? The memories are always going to be there whether the songs make them fester or not. I guess I have been able to disassociate myself from that person and try to use my experiences and heartbreaks as a testimony to the great life and joy that God has given me since I put my trust in Him.

I guess I find it hard to believe that I could somehow shelter myself from my past, including the music I loved so much. It seems now that my reactions to it arte different. A song may trigger a memory of a person, place or thing, but that memory doesn't affect me the way it used to.

On a sidenote..my wife and I have tickets to a Foreigner / Kansas concert on Labor Day weekend!!! LOL! Maybe I am trying to justify my excitement about our mini-vacation! What do you all think!!!

God Bless!!

Craig

[Slug1]

So...as to your question about the headbangers!---Yes, we can reach them with music that is produced for Christ in a style that they relate to. We Christians serve a great God and we have His excellence running through us. We can produce excellent music for Him that will appeal to the sinner's heart.

I was sad cause of all the music I had left behind with the old man I used to be. So I prayed to God and He led me to this site on the internet which is a site for Christian Rockers: christianrock.net

You'll see tabs along the top for Rock, HardRock, HipHop, and PowerPraise

Praise God cause Christians can ROCK!

[Desperaux]

Desperaux, in keeping with the topic, what do you do with the emotions that those old songs bring out in you? The memories are always going to be there whether the songs make them fester or not. I guess I have been able to disassociate myself from that person and try to use my experiences and heartbreaks as a testimony to the great life and joy that God has given me since I put my trust in Him.

I guess I find it hard to believe that I could somehow shelter myself from my past, including the music I loved so much. It seems now that my reactions to it arte different. A song may trigger a memory of a person, place or thing, but that memory doesn't affect me the way it used to.

Whenever I hear a particular song that reminds me of my sin or causes me to have a twinge of something unpleasant from my past, I remember that the sin is forgiven and the heartbreak is healed.

I think of it like I do an old scar. Occasionally it may need a rubbing, but it is not a wound! It reminds me of where I've been--not where I am! So, I regard it as a scar and rejoice in the new life that the Lord Jesus Christ has given me and the new mind He has put into me--that I must continually gear toward Him and His Word.

Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

[JohnnieGuy]

Christians can rock for sure. For years and years I thought Christian music was 'lame' or 'wishy washy' or 'touchy feely' but I realize this was because of my flesh. Our flesh loves evil. Our carnal minds love evil. Our very hearts love it. We relish with abandon rebellion against all that is good and noble and righteous. Then we come to Christ, our old man is crucified but our flesh is not. We CAN be deceived, we CAN be blinded by the world, we CAN be led astray, we CAN fall into sin, we CAN sear our consciences and harden our hearts through the 'deceitfulness of sin.' We must make every effort to make 'enemies' with the world, and Desperauxs post was great. Cut all the junk out, especially if you feel that 'pull.' That's evil calling.

[Lefty]

You're applying the term "music" to songs with lyrics I know, actually lyrics alone I think, but I'm curious if anyone here thinks any instrumental music is evil? (besides polka, that is).

[Slug1]

You're applying the term "music" to songs with lyrics I know, actually lyrics alone I think, but I'm curious if anyone here thinks any instrumental music is evil? (besides polka, that is).

Just like the "internet" can be used for evil, the same is for music. Funny how people can speak out against a form of music cause in their "opinion" it's not of God. Well, in my opinion about 90% of the internet is used for evil yet all who are voicing their opinion(s) in these threads about music still use the internet

Myself included!

Kinda hypocritical, isn't it?

Besides, polka is of satan because it causes me to run for the door screaming to get away from it

[Desperaux]

You're applying the term "music" to songs with lyrics I know, actually lyrics alone I think, but I'm curious if anyone here thinks any instrumental music is evil? (besides polka, that is).

Interesting question, which I have thought about. Classical music is some of the most beautiful in composition and harmony of all music. Do we ask whose mind it comes from and if he was a believer or not? If an unbeliever, do we automatically decide that it is not fit to hear?

I believe it is up to the individual and how the Lord moves them. Where does the music take the mind? In my case, if it doesn't take me to worship or wonderment about God and His ways, then I won't indulge in it.

[Twin2]

Desperaux, your post was well written. I enjoyed it. I am one who gave up my worldly music when I became saved. In my case it wasn't because of the knowledge you shared. It was plain conviction. I wasn't aware of all the scripture that relates to Lucifer and music's purpose. I simply was offended when I listened to most worldly music. I would turn on a certain station, enjoy a worldly song then the next song would feel like sin. Then I'd switch the station and go through the same thing over. I got tired of switching stations dodging songs. Well, that was in the days before CDs, or I might have just bought a certain CD of a group I thought was okay. I'm glad that wasn't an option, because I just began to get into Christian music. My love is southern gospel, but we didn't have any southern gospel music stations around. I wasn't even aware of southern gospel back then, but that is basically what I was being exposed to at church through the music our musicians played. I settled for the Christian music that was on the radio, and would switch between the two as music came on I didn't like the sound of. Then one day, driving home from work, a song came on that just sounded awful to me. A man, with a very opera like voice, was singing this song. I turned that channel but something happened - I think I couldn't get the other station. Anyway, I turned it back and listened to it anyway. The words spoke to me and caused me to break down. I felt so guilty and I had to ask the Lord to forgive me. I didn't like the style, but it wasn't about the style, it was the words within that song that mattered. That song, which I can't remember what it was, was meant to glorify God, and that it did.

Well, I discovered the Christian stores and began to buy my own music. My preference is southern gospel. I love it, I trust it. While that is my preference, I have learned not to count a song out because it isn't my style. I listen to the words to see if the song glorifies God. I do get nervous about the metal stuff, but I won't condemn it. I imagine there is a place for it, even though it is not for me.

As a young person, I used to listen to 80s pop music. I loved the ballads the most. Sometimes if someone else turns it on, I am very drawn to it. Then I have to remind myself that it is not good for me. Not all of it is bad, but some of it is.

My husband turned to country music, but just recently, only weeks ago, gave it up. Praise the Lord! He never understood my conviction thinking that I wasn't doing the sin being talked of in songs, so it shouldn't influence me. My husband has been seeking a closer walk with the Lord, and is experiencing revival. Now he has said he turned country music on once, and turned it off because it did not feed his soul. He listens to all Christian music now.

All these years later, there's still scripture related to music that I was not aware of. It's just something I never researched. It was very refreshing, not to mention encouraging to read your post. I may just study it so that I can share it with others. The scripture is important when sharing this message with others.

[Desperaux]

Desperaux, your post was well written. I enjoyed it.

Thank you. It is my pastors you should be thanking, as they teach this for us and I simply passed it on.

I am one who gave up my worldly music when I became saved. In my case it wasn't because of the knowledge you shared. It was plain conviction. I wasn't aware of all the scripture that relates to Lucifer and music's purpose.

Isn't that the way the Holy Spirit teaches us who love the Lord? It is a marvel that we do not need toi know the Scriptures before he will speak to our innermost parts about what pleases Him! Excellent, Twin!

My husband turned to country music, but just recently, only weeks ago, gave it up. Praise the Lord! He never understood my conviction thinking that I wasn't doing the sin being talked of in songs, so it shouldn't influence me. My husband has been seeking a closer walk with the Lord, and is experiencing revival. Now he has said he turned country music on once, and turned it off because it did not feed his soul. He listens to all Christian music now.

Bless him for also being led of the Holy Spirit---He is a gentle One.

All these years later, there's still scripture related to music that I was not aware of. It's just something I never researched. It was very refreshing, not to mention encouraging to read your post. I may just study it so that I can share it with others. The scripture is important when sharing this message with others.

Isn't it wonderful to realize that after years of hearing what the heart of God says to us that we discover there is Scripture to back it up? Isn't God simply awesome?

[bluedragonflyx]

Hello,

I just wanted to comment that I think you're right on about the effect music can have on our lives and mental state.

I first felt the urge to seek Christ about two years ago. At the time I was an agnostic, living primarily as an atheist and really into the goth subculture. My taste in music was mostly hard rock bands like Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails, or goth bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees or Miranda S-- Garden. While I wouldn't say music and other media was the sole reason I adhered to an atheistic philosophy, it definitely had an impact. I was introduced to the music really early, when I was about ten, and I'm sure it defined me a lot. Losing interest in Jesus and church correlated with getting into that scene and the music. It became a huge part of my life, too. I remember thinking I would do anything to get to go to the concerts I wanted to see, and I would stoop to shoplifting to get ahold of cds I wanted. It definitely, undoubted affected the way I thought and contributed to feeling anti-social and struggling with my temper and self-image.

Since I've accepted Christ, that music doesn't appeal to me so much. I've gotten into some Christian bands and really found myself feeling happier, more upbeat and just more balanced and peaceful. There really is an impact. I think it's best to avoid angry secular or un-Christian music, or to pray if you struggle with it the way I do.

Thanks,
Lily