The Message of Music

In today's world many children, teenagers, and adults listen to music. There are new beats, rythms, artists; but what is the message being sent across? In top artists' like T.I., Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, Nickelback, and more the lyrics are not only offensive, but ridiculous. Sometimes we overlook the evil and misconception of the music, the ways celebrities effect our lives. Music has the ability to change our mood, our morals, and our characters. Below are some examples in hit songs and some verses sung.

"Anytime you want to pick up the telephone
You know it ain't nothin' to drop a couple stacks
on youWanted you could get it my dearFive million
dollar home, drop Bentley's, I swearYeah, I want'cho
body, I need yo bodyLong as you got me you won't need
nobodyYou want it I got it, go, get it, I buy it Tell 'em
other broke niggas be quiet," by T.I.

"You're beside me on the seatGot your hand between my
kneesAnd you control how fast we go by just how hard you
wanna squeezeIt's hard to steer when you're breathing in
my earBut I got both hands on the wheel while you got both
hands on my gearsBy now, no doubt that we were heading
south I guess nobody ever taught her not to speak with a full
mouth'Cause this was it, like flicking on a switchIt felt so good
I almost drove into the ditch," by Nickelback.

Those who try to live a life toward God try not to associate themself with such music like this. Not only does this music have a bad influence on Christians, but supporting the artists who performs this type of music only allows them to keep doing what they are doing. By standing your ground and not giving in to the secular ways of music you have the opportunity to be an example to others around you, and to honor God. Joshua 5:6 says "For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey."

Just as the people of Israel obeyed the Lord, did not forget his promises, and laws saw the light unto which their Father had promised, we can too. We see the problems in the world, the music, the clothes, the morals and evil afoot, but we tend to forget about it. It seems the motto is "If it makes you happy, it's okay." This is not true! Not everything that makes us happy is best for us. God knows and wants the best for us, and by honoring, having faith, and trusting him with our life is the true way to happiness and eternal life. You may have never thought of music being an impact on your relationship with God, but it's something that happens quite often. Think to yourself next time you listen to a song; is this honoring God, is the message clean, is the artist a good influence on me? On earth you have your music, your lyrics, your friends, your clothes, but none compares to the glory of the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." The Lord knows the righteous path for you, but you have to have self-disipline and faith that without world things, that you will be better off. I encourage all of you to go out unto the world and be honoring to the Lord, as well as an influence on those around you who do not truly know God.