What Does the Bible Say About Secular Music?

The Bible has a lot to say about music. In this post, we’ll explore what the Bible has to say about secular music.

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What the Bible says about music in general

The Bible has a lot to say about music, and it’s clear that God wants us to use our musical gifts to praise him. But what does the Bible say about secular music? Can Christians listen to secular music?

The short answer is that there is no one answer to this question. The Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid Christians from listening to secular music, but it does give us some principles that can help us make wise decisions about the kind of music we listen to.

First, we need to be careful not to let the world define what is good and what is bad. The world’s standards are not the same as God’s standards (1 John 2:15-17). Just because something is popular or trendy doesn’t mean it’s good for us. And just because something is labeled “secular” doesn’t mean it’s bad. We need to be careful not to assume anything about a piece of music based on its label.

Second, we need to be mindful of the fact that the kind of music we listen to will affect our mood and our thoughts (Psalm 1:2, Philippians 4:8). If we fill our minds with violent or sexual lyrics, those lyrics will start to shape the way we think about things. We need to be selective about the kind of music we allow into our minds, and we should avoid anything that would lead us into sinful thoughts or behavior.

Third, we need to be aware of the spiritual implications of the music we listen to. Some kinds of music are clearly associated with evil spirits and occult practices (1 Chronicles 16:29, Revelation 18:2). We should avoid any kind of music that would open up a door for demonic influence in our lives.

Ultimately, whether or not Christians should listen to secular music is a personal decision. We need to prayerfully consider each piece of music we listen to, and ask ourselves whether it is helping or hindering our relationship with God.

What the Bible says about secular music specifically

The Bible doesn’t specifically mention secular music, but it does talk about the importance of using our talents and abilities for God’s glory. In Colossians 3:16-17, Paul says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

This passage indicates that we should use our musical talents to praise God and to build up His church. However, we must be careful not to let secular music take over our lives and minds. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to “fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” If we focus on godly things, our music will reflect that. But if we allow worldly music to fill our minds, it will affect the way we think and live.

The history of secular music

The term “secular music” is typically used to refer to music that is not religious in nature. This can include a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and classical. Throughout history, secular music has often been created for entertainment purposes, with the intention of getting people up and dancing or simply providing a listening pleasure.

While there is no explicit mention of secular music in the Bible, there are a few passages that could be interpreted as having something to say about the subject. For example, in Psalm 150, the psalmist calls on people to praise the Lord with “all kinds of music.” This could be seen as an endorsement of secular music, as long as it is used for worshipful purposes.

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul writes that Christians should “do everything for the glory of God.” This could be taken to mean that all activities, including listening to and playing music, should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. Therefore, if secular music is listened to or performed with worldly intentions (such as lust or pride), it would not be in keeping with this passage.

Ultimately, whether or not Christians should listen to secular music is a matter of personal conscience. Some Christians may feel called to avoid all secular music, while others may feel comfortable listening to certain types or genres. Whatever decision is made, it should be done prayerfully and with an intention to glorify God in all that we do.

The benefits of listening to secular music

Many people listen to secular music without thinking twice about it. However, some Christians believe that we should only listen to music that glorifies God. So what does the Bible say about secular music?

There are a few things to consider when thinking about this topic. First, we must remember that not all music is created equal. Some music is designed to be provocative or suggestive, and this type of music can be a bad influence on our moral character. However, there is also secular music that is simply enjoyable to listen to and does not have any negative messages.

In addition, we should also consider the context in which we are listening to secular music. If we are listening to it in a public place where other people can hear it, we need to be mindful of how our choices might reflect on our faith. However, if we are listening to secular music in the privacy of our own homes, it is less likely to be an issue.

Ultimately, whether or not we choose to listen to secular music is a personal decision. We should prayerfully seek wisdom from God about what is best for us, and be mindful of how our choices might impact our witness for Christ.

The dangers of listening to secular music

The Bible is clear that there are dangers in listening to secular music. In Psalm 1, the psalmist says that those who meditate on God’s law will be blessed, but those who listen to worldly music will not prosper. In Ephesians 5, Paul warns believers not to be deceived by the intoxication of wine or by impurity, which can lead to sexual immorality. And in Colossians 3, he instructs believers to put to death what is earthly in them, including sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed.

All of these things can be found in secular music. In fact, many scholars have argued that secular music is one of the most effective tools for promoting these things. It can lead people into temptation and away from God. For this reason, Christians should be careful about the kind of music they listen to and make sure it is honoring to God.

How to approach secular music as a Christian

The Bible doesn’t really talk about “secular” music, but it has a lot to say about music in general. In the Old Testament, music was an important part of worship (1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:6). In the New Testament, Paul instructions Timothy to use music as a way to teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13).

So what does that mean for Christians when it comes to listening to secular music? Here are a few things to consider:

-The lyrics. Are the lyrics honoring to God or are they laced with profanity and sexual innuendo? If the latter, it’s probably not something you should be listening to.

-The style of music. Is the style of music something that would glorify God or is it something that would stir up worldly desires? Again, if it’s the latter, you might want to steer clear.

-Your own heart. This is really the most important consideration. Even if a song passes the first two tests, if it’s something that you know tends to stir up sinful thoughts or desires in your own heart, then it’s probably not something you should be listening to.

Ultimately, we should be careful not to put too much emphasis on any one thing (including music) and forget about the most important thing: our relationship with God. We need to make sure that our hearts are focused on Him and His righteousness and not on worldly pursuits.

What to do if you’re struggling with secular music

If you’re struggling with secular music, the first thing you should do is pray. Ask God to help you see the value in His Word and the importance of setting your mind on things above. The Bible tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, not on the things of this world (Colossians 3:2).

Next, take some time to examine your heart. Why are you drawn to secular music? What is it about the music that you find appealing? Is it the beat? The lyrics? The production value? Once you identify what it is that you’re attracted to, ask yourself if it’s honoring to God. If not, then it’s best to avoid it.

Finally, focus on filling your life with things that are good and noble. Instead of listening to secular music, listen to worship songs or Christian podcasts. Read your Bible and spend time in prayer. When you fill your life with good things, there will be less room for the things that are not beneficial.

How to talk to your kids about secular music

Some Christians believe that listening to secular music is a sin. However, the Bible does not specifically mention secular music in any context. There are a few Bible verses that talk about music in general, but none of these verses mention secular music specifically.

So how should you talk to your kids about secular music? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

-First, remember that God created us all with different gifts and talents. Just because someone enjoys listening to or playing secular music doesn’t mean they’re sinning.

-Second, it’s important to teach your kids to be discerning when it comes to the lyrics of secular songs. If a song has explicit lyrics or promotes messages that are contrary to what the Bible teaches, then it’s probably not something your kid should be listening to.

-Third, encourage your kids to use their musical talents for God’s glory. If they enjoy playing or listening to secular music, challenge them to use their talents to worship God through Christian music instead.

How to find Christian-friendly secular music

Many people love listening to music, but don’t always know how to find secular music that is also Christian-friendly. Here are a few tips:

-One way to find Christian-friendly secular music is to ask friends or family members for recommendations.

-Another way to find Christian-friendly secular music is to look for websites or online resources that offer recommendations.

-A third way to find Christian-friendly secular music is to listen to radio stations that specialize in playing such music.

What secular music can teach us about God

The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention secular music, but that doesn’t mean it can’t teach us anything about God. In fact, some of the most popular secular songs can actually help us understand more about who God is and what He is like. Here are five examples:

1. “Amazing Grace” by John Newton
This classic hymn was written by a former slave trader who had a dramatic conversion to Christianity. The lyrics talk about how God’s grace and mercy can save even the worst of sinners. This song is a reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach and that His love is always available to us, no matter how far we may have strayed from Him.

2. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
This soulful ballad is all about the power of friendship and how important it is to have someone to lean on when times are tough. But it also speaks to the idea of God as our ultimate friend and support system. When we feel like we can’t make it through something on our own, we can always turn to Him for strength and comfort.

3. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
This timeless tune from The Wizard of Oz has been covered by everyone from Ray Charles to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. It speaks of a place beyond our current reality where everything is more beautiful and perfect than we could ever imagine. This echoes the biblical hope of heaven, where we will finally be able to experience ultimate peace and joy in the presence of God.

4. “Imagine” by John Lennon
This song speaks of a world without division or hatred, where people can live together in peace and harmony. It’s a utopian vision, to be sure, but it resembles the kind of kingdom that Jesus spoke of when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As believers, we are called to work for reconciliation and understanding in a world that so often seems filled with conflict and disharmony.

5. “Lay My Burdens Down” by Alicia Keys
With its gospel-tinged piano chords and Alicia Keys’ powerhouse vocals, this song is both joyful and moving. It talks about how Jesus took on our burdens when He died on the cross so that we could be free from them forever. This is such good news! We don��t have to carry our burdens alone—Jesus has already taken them upon Himself.