By Drene Ivy

There is a learning process in the secular world. We learn to speak, to read and to write using Secular educational methods and materials. For example, when learning to read, we use educational books – not necessarily the Bible. We then may choose what books we prefer, i.e., novels, mysteries, non-fiction or scholastic journals. However, Christians “choose” to read the Bible because of their belief in God and to receive spiritual knowledge and understanding. So it is with music. We may learn from, appreciate and listen to other genres of music, i.e., Classical, Country Music, Jazz or Reggae, but we then allow the Spirit of the Lord to turn off the kinds of music that may be wrong for us as Christians.

The influence music has on us will determine our reaction to it and whether or not we should listen to it. We can’t live in a world without being influenced by secular television, secular movies and secular music. All of us do not have Christian vocations (fulltime pastorates or ministries) for our livelihood; many of us have secular jobs. Even Jesus Christ was not performing miracles 24/7. The people he had walking with Him (disciples) were men who had secular jobs (fisherman, tax collector, etc.) before “choosing” to follow Him. We cannot survive in our world without being influenced or exposed to secularism, however,

Christian music should become our preference.

Secular means worldly, material, lay, or the things of the world. Secular music such as Rock, R&B, Rap and varied genres are all around us. When I began taking music lessons as a child, I received instructions on the whole of music – basic theory, the classical approach, major works, symphonies, and music spanning from several periods including the Baroque and Romantic eras. I listened to and learned all kinds of music and appreciated the different styles of music and what each brought to the whole of music.

Music is the sound of expression melodically and rhythmically. Christian music is that same sound of expression but that which can be offered to God. In Christendom today, the question is not “Should Christians Listen to Secular Music?” rather “Can You Offer Secular Music to God?” We cannot offer to God something that would not please Him. Jesus chose the worst of men to walk with Him, changing their lives for the better. Jesus Christ must become the stronger force behind what we listen to. It is true that whatever a person allows to occupy his mind will sooner or later determine his speech and his action.  Whether we listen to Secular or Christian music or both, always ask yourself, can you offer that sound to God? There is nothing wrong with many particular styles of Secular music but if it leads you to negatively think about or get involved in something that cannot be offered to God – then you should avoid it (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2,5; and 2 Corinthians 10:5).

Urban Hip Hop and Gangsta Rap often have deadly, violent, sexually promiscuous and worldly influences on the listener. Love Music, Love Songs and Smooth Jazz is not inherently wrong and may enhance the effect of love emotions but yet cannot be offered to God as Praise or Worship…but neither is that the point of this kind of music. So, what should we listen to? We must listen to the Heart and Mind of God. He will tell you what to write, what to sing, and what to play. To all my fellow songwriters: Please know that when you write a song for people, it’s for people; when you write for God, it’s for God. For example, God may set you up to write secular movie themes but know that this opportunity may lead others to Christ. Remember, we can be in the world and not of the world. We need to wait on God and listen to His voice regarding what to write and how to form the melody that He gives us. Let God sing the melody to you. He knows what He wants to say to His people. Secular music vs. Christian music? The voice of God will direct you. You have to hear Him.

For more information on this artist go to www.dreneivy.com    email:info@dreneivy.com