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Is it unwise for a Christian listening to secular love songs?


Recently stumbling upon this super addicting song, "Love You Longer" by Raisa (Acoustic vers.). Its acoustic, soothing guitar string and easy-listening melody gives so much chill to my bone. Especially when the lyrics fit perfectly to what I was feeling at that time.

That song captured me most as I had an "interest" on someone, it put joy I couldn't describe. But will it still feel the same when I stopped feeling the interest? Will it still put the joy I used to crave for?

 At first I thought I will just enjoy the melody, but as the song lulled me with its intense rhythm, I got hypnotized by the lyrics, dragging me down at my lowest. So rather than filling me with positivity, the song caressing my sadness instead. It's still a good song, still the same good melody as I used to listen to, but the feeling is different, the message is different, it was kind of like making me reminiscing the moment "we used to be.."



So, is it beneficial or rather harming?

1. Check the purpose
Why would you listen to this song? is it because you like the music? or just because everyone's singing this song? or because this song is the #1 in chart? or because it sounds cool if I sing this song? 
  • King David would choose to sing and create songs to worship God (check Psalm)
  • When Saul was tormented by the evil spirits, he would call David to play harp to soothe him "Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better and the evil spirit would leave him" (1 Samuel 16:23)
2. The genre of the music
I don't think the bible ever write that we can't or we shouldn't listen to rock or EDM music. There are a lot of talented Christian musicians who created great worship rock music, while still bringing good impact to people around them. 
  • But be aware, does listening to some specific genres could bring you closer to God? or it makes you distant instead?
  • Or does listening to those genres making you to be a stumbling block for other people? "Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:14)
  • "Jesus turned to Peter and said, "get behind me, satan! you are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns!" (Matthew 16:23) 
3. Are the lyrics bring good, no harm?
Do be really careful with words. the satan is such a brainwasher, such a music genius, he controls worldly music industry. Even we still have to be careful with Christian songs that we may not realize the lyrics which are neatly covered.
  • "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs  18:21)
  • Don't deceive yourself. At first, you may not feel anything by consuming those words, but at some point, it could be potentially harmful to you in the long run as you are letting those words stay in your mind
  • "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, perfect and pleasing will" (Romans 12:2)


So my point is, there is no right or wrong answer about listening to secular love songs. You might say that you have a really strong faith and listening to secular songs won't change anything. It's up to you. Only you and God know. Sure thing I enjoy secular songs as much as I enjoy Christian songs! but for me personally, it will be really difficult for me to stay focused on God if I listen to secular songs too often (not in moderate amount), so these are ways for me to control my amount;
  • I'd say my ratio would be around 60% Gospel songs and 40% Secular songs (sometimes even 40-60, I'm still trying!!)
  • I would not listen and focus on the lyrics too much and trying not to get attached to it (I avoid listen to those songs with blanked mind, I usually listen while in my active mode)
  • And if I happen to listen to the whole lyrics.. I would see it from God's perspective, sometimes I would see it as my praise to God.  
  • Keep asking God for His wisdom "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.." (James 1:5)
  • I will stop listening to all form of secular music (temporarily) if it starts showing signs in decreasing my thirst to listen to gospel music, or not making any positive impact to me anymore.
  • I won't use secular songs 100% as my runaway whenever I am faced with temptations/when I am depressed, or currently facing problems.
  • There are bunch of beautifully written contemporary Christian song, check;
BUT of course, no judging here! I didn't say that we should altogether avoid listening to secular songs at all, also not saying that secular songs are something so taboo that we should hate. It really is between you and God, if you listen to the song and it makes you further from God, I would advise you to temporarily stop, or maybe you should check on your selection of songs.. Hope it helps!!

Rule of thumb : Check the melody and lyrics from God's perspective, would you recommend this song to your Church/Pastor?



Much love,



Selina



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