Can Christians listen to secular music? What does the Bible say about how Christians should choose what kinds of music they listen to? Here are some principles to consider:
Does the music promote an ungodly message?
Not all secular music promotes an ungodly message. Some secular music promotes messages that are actually consistent with biblical values, such as love, and other secular songs are just morally neutral.
How am I defining ungodly here? Anything about illicit sex, provocative clothing, drugs and alcohol, violence and profanity, degradation of women, or anything like that.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world…
Do not love the world or anything in the world...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
All secular music doesn’t promote ungodly values, but much of it does.
What does my support of this music say to unbelievers?
...so that no one can criticize you...live clean lives, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
If you listen to the same music as unbelievers, music that is ungodly, or you recite the same lyrics, go to the same concerts, dance to it at parties, etc., how are you going to be a good witness to the world for Christ?
Is this music hindering my spiritual growth?
I heard it said long ago, that there are two natures within me: One I love, and one I hate. And the one I feed will dominate. To put it more simply, garbage in equals garbage out.
The music you listen to can change how you think and talk, and take you in a sinful direction.
Is the music I support causing other Christians to stumble?
So, if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live.
Paul was allowed to eat meat, but he would readily give it up if it caused a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble. If you have Christians around you who look up to you, and you put your stamp of approval on ungodly music, it could cause them to think it’s okay.
What is your spirit telling you about this music?
As a Christian who loves Jesus, when you’re listening to secular music, is there anything convicting you and making you feel uncomfortable with what you’re listening to?
It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Can Christians listen to secular music? My conclusion
I believe God created music to be enjoyed. Just like sex, alcohol, or money, if used properly. So I can’t make a rule that Christians can never listen to secular music. But if it violates one of these guidelines, then it has no place in a Christian’s life.
For more helpful biblical Christian content from Allen Parr, visit his YouTube channel The BEAT or browse other topics on the Let’s Equip blog!