by Prisca | 1 August 2021 08:46 pm08
The term secular music itself indicates that the content reflects worldly values and themes, often contrary to a Christian life. The Bible warns us clearly: anyone who loves the world becomes an enemy of God.
1 John 2:15-17 (New International Version NIV):
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
This passage highlights the core Christian principle that attachment to worldly desires whether physical cravings, materialism, or pride separates us from God. Secular music often glorifies these very things: immorality, violence, pride, wealth, and sensual pleasures.
The Problem of Lukewarmness in Music
Many secular songs may superficially contain lyrics about love or even mention God, but a closer look reveals they often contain profanity, promote immoral behavior, or celebrate worldly pleasures. This mixed message breeds spiritual lukewarmness a condition Jesus Himself condemns.
Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV):
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
In this letter to the church in Laodicea, Jesus condemns a lukewarm attitude as detestable. Lukewarmness represents spiritual complacency neither fully devoted nor fully rejecting faith. God would rather someone be cold (even rejecting Him) than indifferent or half hearted.
Lukewarmness, or spiritual indifference, undermines the transformative power of the Gospel (Romans 12:2). Christians are called to be set apart (2 Corinthians 6:17), holy and fully committed to God. Secular music, by promoting worldly values, threatens this holiness and can dull a believer’s sensitivity to the Spirit.
Romans 12:2 (English Standard Version ESV):
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Practical Application
Because secular music often glorifies values contrary to God’s Kingdom, it is not appropriate for Christians who desire to live a holy life to engage with it. Those who have committed their lives to Christ should remove such music from their lives and instead fill their hearts with spiritual music and content that uplifts and encourages faith.
Colossians 3:16 (NIV):
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Listening to secular music conflicts with the biblical call to holiness and spiritual renewal. Christians should seek to nourish their hearts and minds with things that glorify God and strengthen their faith.
May the Lord richly bless you as you pursue His truth.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/08/01/is-it-right-for-a-christian-to-listen-to-secular-music/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.