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Human beings naturally like music. It is said that music makes us happy when we listen to it and our brain releases dopamine, a hormone that gives us feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and inspiration.
Now, should born again Christians listen to music composed by unbelievers or worldly music full of profanity without considering its effects on their spiritual lives?
There is no doubt that Christians are in the world, but they are not of the world. This means that even though Christians are in the world they are not supposed to use or follow the values, beliefs and conduct of the world.
Moreover, Paul writes that, “All thing are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
It must profoundly be stated that some worldly things are dangerous to a Christian’s spiritual health and faith.
Christians are warned not to eat food sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians 8), but they may eat food prepared by unbelievers, board cars driven by unbelievers, board planes flown by unbelievers or wear dresses designed by unbelievers.
However, when it comes to music, Scripture is clear on the kind Christians must sing and listen to.
“…but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and SPIRITUAL SONGS, SINGING AND MAKING MELODY TO THE LORD WITH YOUR HEART…” (Ephesians 5:18-19).
A few years ago, a charismatic bishop in Ghana explained to his church members how good the late Michael Jackson’s songs were for Christians.
He urged his congregants to listen to the late Jackson’s songs and other secular music for their enjoyment.
According to the self-styled bishop, there is nothing wrong with Christians enjoying demon-infested music.
It is very necessary for us to know God’s opinion on music for His children. The Scripture we just read says a Christian must first be filled with the Holy Spirit and be interested in SPIRITUAL SONGS. That is, songs that are inspired by the Spirit of God.
Thus, good gospel music inspired by the Spirit must be the music a Christian must listen to and sing. This is to help in building them up spiritually.
However, Christians may listen to music composed by unbelievers if the lyrics are free from profanity or do not have the tendency to tempt them to sin.
Unfortunately, most of Jackson’s songs have the potential to motivate listeners to sin which Christians are warned against.
It is quite astonishing how today, many pastors in Ghana, and in other parts of the world, are feeding Christians with their opinions.
Such messages may sound good and appealing to the ears of many people but they are delivered by men and women who have obviously strayed from the truth.
By James Quansah
