Most, if not all, of us have a favourite song. Whether it's pop, rock, blues, jazz or classical, we can all agree that music contains a very strong element that moves our hearts, inspires us to be jolly or attempt new things, and at times makes us feel happy even when we're down.

For Christians, however, there's a common concern that arises every time music is played on the radio or in the bus station: can I listen to secular music and still be Christian? Honestly, Christians should consider when choosing where to be and which music they listen to.

1) Everything is permissible, but not beneficial

Paul said that all things are permitted, but not everything is good (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23). That's the same with secular music. Being a Christian doesn't mean thrashing the radio or asking the fast food crew to stop playing songs played by secular artists, but it does mean you should not listen to songs filled with ungodly lyrics.

While there are secular songs that sound good and bring good messages, there are many secular songs that encourage adultery, sexual lust, materialism, greed, hatred and bitterness, among other things. We should be careful what songs we listen to.

2) We must starve the flesh, feed the Spirit

Genuine Christ-followers know this: anything that would exalt the flesh and kill the spirit should be shut down in our lives. Whatever we feed grows healthy, and whatever we starve dies. Following this logic, we should instead choose to build up our spirit with praise instead of our flesh with soulish music.

James said, "is anyone cheerful? Let him sing Psalms." (see James 5:13) The Bible tells us that whenever any man or woman of God is happy, we should firstly sing praises unto the Lord.

Take for example David, who sang many songs of praise to the Lord (see book of Psalms). Or Mary, who sang to the Lord because He has looked down on the lowly (Luke 1:46-55). Or Moses, who sang to the Lord while his sister Miriam pulled the tambourine out and sang while dancing because of His deliverance (Exodus 15).

Think about it. Would you like to sing "Dorobucci" in front of Christ during your prayer time?

3) We shouldn't be yoked with unbelievers

"What has Christ in common with belial?" said Paul (see 2 Corinthians 6:14-16). Christians shouldn't behave like the world, and the area of music isn't exempted from this.

Some say that they only listen to secular music so that they can reach out to their friends, but honestly, you can still reach out without doing that. Christ did not behave like the world, yet He fulfilled His work of atoning for our sins and reconciling us to the Father.

STILL DRINKING AND CLUBBING AS A CHRISTIAN?

By socialising in clubs you do not bring people up to your level in Christ, they bring you down to their level in the world. A person cannot respect someone who is not fully committed to that which they profess to believe in.

I used to justify myself, by saying that I did not get drunk, and so I only drunk solf drinks. But the reality was I paid for alcoholic beverages which aided my friends (who did not attend church meetings) in getting drunk when it was my turn to pay for the round.

I would be sat at the bar, while across the room, other people were telling dirty jokes, getting drunk, taking the name of the Lord in vain and the next day I would hypocritically be in church, hands in the air, sing praises to Jesus. I called myself a Christian yet did not live up to the standards that God had set. My testimony was compromised on a daily, if not weekly basis, *I was leading weaker brethren into sin and I was supporting the Devil’s ministry. How you may ask?...

Firstly, by going to such establishments.
Secondly, at church talking about where I had been the night before, (thus encouraging those of age to visit a pub or club).
Thirdly, by inviting other Christians out for a drink.

As one preacher said, “Either act like a Christian or change your name to heathen!”

God states and declares, “Be holy in all your conduct...because it is written, 'be holy because I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:15-16) because, ‘without holiness, no man shall see the Lord’ (Hebrews 12:14), “Anything that is not righteous is sinful” which is in accord with 1 John 5:17, 'All unrighteousness is sin...

Not a set of rules

Friends, this isn't about a set of rules. Rather, it's about fixing what's in your heart – would you rather fill your heart with God's praises, or fill it with the world's chorus?

HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU ALL

Yes, but listen the ones with meaningful lyrical content.

You can't enjoy the things of the world and expect to make heaven at thesame time.

Nawa for these christains, very confused people

Well said. Being a Christian and listening to regular secular music is like playing football on a wet pitch. For how long can you avoid getting stained?

can i breath and still be a christian? clearly people are taking this christianity too far.

You can't be lukewarm.. You're either hot or cold!

every thing has it own time

Do these things and end up in hell!


Why is hell more interesting than heaven

Do nor listen to music that will corrupt your mind.. But people Will never listen.. They will say circular music is bad.. Do Not be over righteous (Ecclesiastes7.16)

God knows our hearts.... He sees our hearts. Music is a food for the soul... If worldly musics will take us to hell, everyone with good ears, with a good sound of communication is a victim of hell... We need not been extreme. Right now, as I write, my music is well amplified to the fullest...2Baba African Queen, booming... I serve God and I am always on his path. Don't quote me wrong please.

I laff when i read or hear when people talk about hell





What the hell is hell?




SMH

@ OP, who's a Christian?

Christianity isn't about what you hear or where you go. It's about the life you live.

The Apostles that were first called Christians weren't given that name in the club. The way they lived (what they heard, where they went, what they said) earned them that name.

After reading this, I remembered something I was asking mysef a while back, the Gay guy in the movie "empire" sings good songs, nice chords, nice mixing..i love his songs but he is gay and I would have said I hate gays but I lernt recently that 'hate' is a strong word so i'll say I dislyk Gays and thier act, but yet I love his songs...that puts me inbetween!


Ff to d part the o.p said sumtin abt alcohol..there is this misconception abt drinking and christianity at large..i drink one bottle of beer, am happy I smile but am not drunk, I can still carry out my tasks well, I fail how to see how that makes me a bad christian...christianity shudnt be focus on trivial tins like alcohol consumption but how we treat our neighbours and friends and people in general...that man u see and call a drunkard is more generous nd thinks more of others than that quiet good church member that hapens to pay huge tithes from stolen and looted funds


And to the music part, most gospel artist are lazy dazzal, if ur song is good people will like it period, get good beat, good lyrics and ideas and pple will like u and kisten to ir songs


Brb ba3 low

No

Shortyy:
can i breath and still be a christian? clearly people are taking this christianity too far.

Daughter of second Timothy spotted.



@OP, the term secular music doesn't exist in my dictionary. No music to me is secular.

In fact the Bible nowhere condemns any particular style of music. The Bible nowhere declares any particular musical instrument to be ungodly so where did you get that from?

I love listening to music, I really do but the /song must have catchy melodies, thoughtful insights, and positive messages before in listen to it.

Not every Christian music is worth it. All those gospel songs that talk how they miraculously became rich over night gives people false hope and makes them lazy so they're not for me.

So in determining whether or not to listen to a music, there are four primary factors I consider:

1. They purpose of music

2. The style of music

3. The content of the lyrics.

4. The life style of the singer.

You don't expect me to listen to craps because they're gospel music and I can't hate nice songs because they aren't gospel songs.

No,like Pastor E.A adeboye said , disobedience better to half obedience..
complete obedience is what God requires.

Perfect! You either give all to God or he will take none of it.There's no negotiation with God.

NO its either u serve god or satan

No no'u cannot serve two masters at a time'u either serve one or leave the other the bible made it clear that no one who entagles in warfare attaches him/herself with worldly activities,I used to be a slave to secular music but I thank God I am delivered.

There is nothing like secular or gospel. If there is, it's a very thin line between.

Secular songs (like you termed them) tend to glorify the beauty and sexual appeal of the female specie. This is an indirect praise to God, who created women, it's a way of saying, '' God, you created beautiful women, thank you.'' (Wizkid's On top Your Matter)


Gospel songs on the other hand, render direct praise. (Frank Edward's You Too De Bless Me)

Then again, some supposed 'secular' songs give glory to God directly. Beyond surface appraisal. Secular and Gospel songs are the same. (Korede's Godwin juxtaposed with Frank Edward's Okaka)

OP,YOU BE JEHOVAH WITNESS OR DEEPER LIFE OR 7TH DAY ADVENTIST? WHICH ONE YOU CARRY CHRISTIANITY 4 HEAD LIKE OKPA.I'M A CHIRISTIAN & I LISTEN N ENJOY SECULAR MUSIC,BUT IT AINT GOOD & YOU CANT AVOID IT COS IT'S EVERYWHERE YOU GO.YOU MUST LISTEN TO ATLEAST 3 SECULAR SONGS A DAY WHETHER INTENTIONALLY OR NOT.

Well, Songs are good but mind the type listen to....

Yes, clubbing apart and that doesn't disqualify one from being a devotee

Nwanne m if u ask me na who I go ask?

Tough one.

The answer is CAPITAL "NO". The two cannot work together. It's either you are for God or for the devil. You cannot be on the fence. No matter the number of times they (the singer) mention the name of Jesus in a worldly music, that does not make it acceptable before God. As a true child of God that has the hope of going to heaven, you are not suppose to take pleasure in listening to worldly music. Music like "Na God win ooo, na God win. They say my music no go sale, na God win". As far as I'm concern any body that wants to go to heaven, that music is worldly and should not be listened to by a true Christian. "He that has this hope of going to heaven should purify himself even as Christ is pure". Know he not that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Pls

Vickyydera:
Yes, but listen the ones with meaningful lyrical content.

well, yea... But always remember that God has a standard, it may not be easy but you can do a way with them, God is a jealous God requires that we give all glory to him even in our songs.

Nice one buddy. They gave you fp today too for God's.
This was simple as it could be, because when one talks degenerated Christians shout legalism.