As a Christian kid, what kind of music should I listen to?
Here's the answer:
God likes music. He made it! He likes music from all parts of the world with all kinds of instruments and voices. Music can be used to glorify Him.
God gives certain people unique musical gifts. Some people can sing; others play an instrument. Some can even write music. But what God loves most is music that brings Him glory. Did you know that God even chose certain people to play music in His temple? 1 Chronicles 23:1-5 tells us the story about how some of the Levites were chosen for this purpose. It reads, "David had become very old. So he made his son Solomon king over Israel. He gathered together all the leaders of Israel. He also gathered the priests and the Levites together. The Levites who were 30 years old or more were counted. The total number of men was 38,000. David said, 'From them, 24,000 will be in charge of the work of the LORD’s temple. And 6,000 will be officials and judges. Another 4,000 will guard the gates. And 4,000 will praise the LORD with the instruments of music I’ve provided for that purpose.'" God likes music so much, He assigned certain people to be musicians for Him!
What kind of music does God like? Because God is perfect and holy, He wants everyone and everything to reflect His holiness. This includes music. Classical music that is intricately composed shows off God's intelligence and creativity. Pop music (with appropriate words) might make us want to dance and praise God for all the good things He has given to us. Country music (with appropriate words) often tells stories of God's love and faithfulness. Some Christian music teaches us Scripture and helps us to remember the Word of God.
Do you see a theme here? God's approval of music has a lot to do with its words. Songs about getting drunk, lying, cheating, inappropriate relationships with others, pride, or other sinful activities do not glorify God. Buying songs from artists and supporting their work when they peddle songs that dishonor God isn't a good idea either. The devil will always lie to us and tell us that little sins are no big deal—that we can entertain ourselves with sinful things and it is okay if we don't do those sins ourselves. But Jesus disagrees! In Matthew 5:21-22a, Jesus explains, "You have heard what was said to people who lived long ago. They were told, ‘Do not commit murder. Anyone who murders will be judged for it.’ But here is what I tell you. Do not be angry with a brother or sister. Anyone who is angry with them will be judged." So even if you don't murder a person, if you hate that person in your heart, Jesus said you're still guilty! This is why we know that music which celebrates being drunk (or other forms of entertainment) is a sin even if we don't get drunk ourselves. Sin is never supposed to be entertaining. The devil will always tell us that sin is really no big deal. But sin is always a big deal to God. Every single sin we commit tells God that we think we know better than He does. But we don't.
Any kind of music that doesn't promote sin brings God glory because it puts on display the wonderful talent God has given to humanity.
As a child of God, we want God to be glorified in our lives. This means that in all of our choices, all of our words, all of our behaviors, we want God's goodness to shine through.
Bible Truth
"Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things" (Philippians 4:8).
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).
