What Standards of Music Should Christians Use

Music is a very touchy subject for Christians. Should Christians only listen to Christian music? If you say yes, then you're faced with another question. Should that music only be hymns, or can Christians listen to Christian rock? If you believe that you can listen to some secular music, what should be the standards for music? If we believe that there are standards for music, what should those standards be? As Christians our source of authority must always be the Bible. I suggest Philippians 4:8 for a start. Many have called it the litmus test for Christians.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Whatsoever things are true.

The Bible teaches that whatsoever a many thinks in his hear, so is he. The world is constantly trying to reshape our thoughts. They want us to think like they do. We must not be conformed to the world but transformed, Romans 12:1/ When we listen to music, we need to ask this question. Is our mind being manipulated to thinking contrary to the word of God? Is this song dragging our mind into the lives of the world. For example, is our mind being retaught that it is okay to be rebellious? If the answer is yes, then we should not listen to this song.

Whatsoever things are honest (noble)

Dr. MacArthur points out that noble means worthy or respect in the Greek. Christians should listen to music that is worthy of our listenorship. You want to listen to things that you would not be embarrassed if your mother or a church lady walked in. We want to listen to things we would not be ashamed if others knew we were listening to it.

Whatsoever things are just

Dr MacArthur points out that this is thinking that is in line with God's holiness. Songs that go against God's standard of holiness should be discarded. Even if a song does not advocate criminal activity, if it violates God's standards it should not be listened to.

Whatsoever things are pure

Our society is pushing the envelope as much as it can. Music that has sexually explicit lyrics should be avoided. Attention must also be paid to the artists' lives themselves. Is their life a blatant attack on God's word. If an artist is know for their impurities, even if their lyrics are not bad, one should think long and hard before listening to them.

Whatsoever things are lovely

Dr MacArthur says that we should dwell on things that draw us to kindness and righteousness. Music should not inspire us to bad behaviour.

What soever things are of good report

Doe the song have a bad reputation? Does the song inspire hatred? Some music are so against what is good that even the world recognizes it as bad. They may condone the song, but they still know that it is nasty. The world may celebrate a song because it is so bad. Christians should not listen to these songs.

If there be any virtue

Is there is a good reason to listen to this song according to God's word? Will it benefit my spiritual life or will it hamper my spiritual life?

If there be any praise

Can this song be praised by God's people? Can it be praised by worthy people? Now many Christians say, stick to Christian music. I disagree with that statement. Just because it has a Christian music does not guarantee that it's godly. I believe this is lazy. Instead of limiting ourselves to just Christian music, I want to Christians to think critically of all music.