This is a very controversial subject. But I'm going to pause before I even get started and say this- If you are a Christian and you don't listen to secular music, I'm NOT calling you legalistic. And if you are a Christian and you DO listen to secular music, I'm NOT saying you're going to hell. This is my personal opinion that I've decided to share with you based on my convictions. So, now that we've cleared that up, I'll go ahead and dive into my personal stance on the topic. First of all, I know some of you tend to use the terminologies wrong so, let me make sure we're all on the same page. Let's start of by defining the word 'secular.' A lot of people think that by saying something is secular, it means evil...which isn't exactly true. The word, according to the dictionary, is actually defined as "
Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis." It doesn't say anything about evil. But does the fact that it isn't spiritual
make it evil?
My answer. No. In the arena as far as secular music goes, I think the decision really comes down to conviction, common sense and the
type of secular music you're listening to. You need to look at your ipod or your playlist and make sure you know this is something with a message you're okay with. I highly disagree with songs that promote sensual things or language. It's not something I want flooding my mind let alone something I thing God wants me to be listening to. But on the other hand, there's also the aspect that there are some secular songs out there that are really not that bad but, the particular artist might not be the one to be looking into. Example - Katy Perry. She openly professes that God doesn't exist. I for one, will NOT support that. I used to be okay with her song, "
Roar" and there was also another one that was okay. But now, I refuse to listen to her at all. That was a decision I made based on conviction. Do I still listen to covers of the song "Roar?" Yes. Because it has the same positive message, minus the negative atmosphere.
Next thing. There are alternatives out there! Have you ever considered listening to a more mild version of the type of music you love?
Pentatonix for one, takes bad words out of their songs, changes them up a bit and in the end, they actually sound quite a bit better than the original! But, even better than Ptx is (once again)
Anthem Lights. Thy also have the benefit of being Christians. They choose their covers carefully and definitely make them sound fabulous. Then, we have alternatives like
Owl City. Now, I personally really like OC because he has such a unique way of bringing songs to the table. He DOES claim to be a Christian and his songs often have hidden meanings if you really pay attention. But usually they're just fun songs. Also, if you're obsessed with Dubstep (like me), you need to check out
Lindsey Stirling. She's probably currently the most popular(living) violinist in the world! But, really, when it boils down to it, I think the best route to take it is itunes. You choose your songs individually and aren't pressured to buy a whole album. I know people like Bruno Mars or Justin Timberlake can have a good song here or there and then the rest of the album just sucks (I'm talking lyrically, not vocally). Am I out to hate on every artist who doesn't do Christian music? Absolutely not! We're called to love people. And I appreciate the talent of SEVERAL secular artists. What can you expect from a person who has never heard of or accepted Christ than the influence of the world to be in their lyrics? Exactly my point. But to choose to not be a part of that mindset is a great act of obedience. You need to pray and ask God where you are supposed to draw the line in what you're filling your mind with. You will eventually find yourself living out the lyrics you're putting in your head (though it can affect some people more than others). So, in a nutshell? I stand neutral right now. The amount of Christian music I listen to versus the amount of secular I listen to is perfect for me and my walk spiritually with Christ. As long as you pray about it and feel confident that you aren't compromising in any way and make sure you aren't being affected negatively by the lyrics, then you should be okay. :) Remember, the absolute goal is to be like Him. Not like the world. Grow closer to Him daily. Love him. Love people. (1 Peter 2:17) ~KJ
Purpose. Everyone wants to have a purpose in life. Everyone wants to make a difference. Everyone wants to be looked at with significance. Everyone has that standard that they strive toward. But here's the question. How many people actually strive to reach that standard? How many people actually take the time to realize the importance in that? There's a vital note that people commonly forget. And it's this - There's only ONE you. You need to make the best of it! You need to build up your security and be yourself. Know who you are in Christ and how He views you as a loving Father. Then, once you're confident, you need to make a courageous step and grow a stronger, more intimate one-on-one relationship with Christ. Keep in mind, we can NEVER know everything about God. There's always something new to learn, to discover and to live by. After you feel confident with yourself and your relationship with Christ, it's time to prepare for action. It doesn't matter how old you are. This is the exact point I'm trying to make with this post. If you are a tween, teenager or young adult, you ARE the Next Generation. We are the future music artists, politicians, doctors and authors. The people who will grow up and influence this country...this WORLD for better or for worse. It's our responsibility to take a stand for what we know is right. For the truth. WE hold the responsibility to make disciples. No. It's not a matter of if you're going to grow up and be a pastor or a missionary. Quite the contrary in fact. We are called to make disciples regardless of who we are. Leading people to Christ. Being His light. How can we do that? Well, one thing is to make correct decisions. Nobody's perfect but let's use music as an example. I"m sure a lot of you can relate to this. Say you're hanging out with a friend who is an unbeliever. They're going to watch what you do. You, at that point, become the example. If you listen to music talking about inappropriate subject or contain a lot of bad language, what kind of example is that? Even the way you dress can speak a thousand words. Ladies, modesty. Clingy clothing and revealing stuff that draws attention to yourself is going to show that you don't care about modesty. According to the bible, we're supposed to be modest. In this day in age, it's taken so lightly, people don't think it applies to them when really, it does. We need to decide which is more important to us, Trending or following God. The answer should be evident. As the next generation, don't let your shyness get in the way. Accepting Jesus as a whole is a HUGE step. But you need to be ready to step out of your comfort zone and make some more huge steps. Sometimes, you're even the example towards other believers! They might look at you and your relationship with Christ and want more! They might consult with you for advice to have the same relationship. Ministering to people that way and helping them grow doesn't just benefit THEM. It also benefits YOU. Shining your light in this world often affects people far more than you know, but in the process, it also changes you as a person...for the better. Here's how I want you to look at ministry. Look at it as changing the world, bit by bit. Sometimes that's simply being there for a friend who's going through a lot. Other times it might be just helping stack chairs in church. If only a few people do this, how many people will follow the lead? But then, what if a lot of people did this? What if thousands of people across the world took a stand and led the change? We ARE the Next Generation and it's our responsibility to change the world one step at a time. Will YOU lead the change? ~KJ
