Music is probably one the most controversial topics among Christians. The views are extremely diverse. What is labeled ‘sin’ and what is ‘acceptable’ and what is ‘healthy’ varies as much as one’s taste for food. I have seen many Christians label music ‘sin’ just because it is not their style of music. Then there are those that label any music that is not in the old style hymnals and played by a church organ as ‘sin’. Then there are those that label all music ‘sin’ and only believe in singing a-cappella.
Everyone agrees, though, that music affects us in many different ways. It has also been scientifically proven that it does. And yes, because of mental problems, many people can only listen to soothing music or it sets them off. But one thing I have a problem with is those Christians who label any music that, shall we say “gets your blood flowing”, is sin. We were not made to be creatures that are lethargic. When I read the 150th Psalm it causes me to dance and shout out praises to the Lord:
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the L ord ! Praise the L ord ! (Psalms 150:1-6 NLT)
“But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something (or listen to something), you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.” (Romans 14:23 NLT)
The way I judge music for my life is this:
1. I separate it into different categories according to the purpose I want it to have for my life. All music must have clean lyrics, regardless.
2. There is secular and Christian music that is pleasant to listen to and helps get me moving and motivate me to get my work done.
3. Then there is easy listening music to help me wind down and relax.
4. Then there is praise music that is upbeat and helps me to be happy in the Lord and my Christian walk.
5. Then there is the most important music of all, which drops me to my knees and brings me into the throne room of God to worship Him with my whole being.
6. All music, regardless, that I will not listen to is what makes me uneasy in my spirit. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is extremely important. My spirit must be in-tune with the Holy Spirit. Only daily prayer, bible reading and living a righteous life brings that about. It is very easy for a Christian to gain a conscience that does not respond properly.
7. Not only is there music that I steer clear of because it is worldly (regardless if is labeled Christian) and makes me uneasy in my spirit, but there is music that is downright demonic and I will not tolerate it to be around me in any way, shape or form.
To finish, all Christians need to use true Holy Spirit discernment if they speak out against music. Also, the way people act to it. And yes, there is music that is a mockery to the Holy Spirit along with many concerts people go to that Christians need to speak out against. But make sure it is by guidance from the Holy Spirit and not of the human spirit that you speak out:
And David danced before the L ord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord , she was filled with contempt for him. When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life. (2 Samuel 6:14-16, 20-23 NLT)
Annointing 