Youth Club : Teen guide

Music,teen and Christ

Welcome brethren,hope you read the title. Yeah we going to focus on music today. Am sure you like music like I do or even more than I do. I listen to music when I travel,at home doing the chores,even when doing the boring home works,well when am free or bored music keeps me company. It is like we need music all through out. Example when we are happy,we need music to celebrate. When we are sad,we need music to cheer us up and equally when we are angry,we need music to help us calm down. Soon music becomes part and parcel of our life. Even the bible tells us in Proverbs 15 verse 23 "it is a joy to find the right words at the right time". Accordingly, listening to a song at a moment in time can be very consoling.like when you think no one understands you and just then,you listen to a song which reflects your situation and you feel a thousand times better.

But how do we moderate this passion for music as teens and how can this passion give glory to Christ?? This is what this chapter is all about

🎊Question : Which type of music do you like and why do you like it?🎊

Generally, we turn to appreciate worldly music rather than our Christian rhythms(I didn't say all worldly musics are bad). Sometimes it might be because of the hot beats or the musical harmony but we all have a reason why we like the kind of music we listen to

Does your music choice please your parents and above all God?? If you can't play or sing that particular song when mum or dad is around, this means there is something wrong with it. Sit and reflect. Ask your self," what do I really like in this particular song?".
Let's look at some criterias that can help us as Christian teen in our musical selection.

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The most important criteria is that of the message. What message is it passing on? Does this message blend with your Christ values? Ephesians 5 verse 4 says "nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God"
Does that song give thanks to God whether directly or indirectly? Is it a poison to your morals or to your soul?
Take a look at what I read in a book,it said if someone wanted to poison you,do you think he will use vinegar or some bitter substance or better use a sweet sugar mixture?? Well the answer is evident. That's the case for music,the devil comes in a "sheep clothing". Sometimes I wonder " why should cool melodies and rhythms be reserved for songs glorifying the devil? ". That is what gets us attracted but it is a devil's trap. We shouldn't listen to music just because of the beats,rhythm(sugar coat) but we should focus on the wordings(poison).
In our generation, many musicians turn to sing songs praising sex,violence ,fornication, drug abuse,bully,anger and many other negative stuff. If you think you are just listening and doing nothing bad after all,you believe it wouldn't change your mentality ,then I have a sad news......it already has.

🎶The second criteria is that of examining the case or jaquette which the CD is found. Looking at the album case,we can have a general idea of what it might be talking about. Even the publicity drawing can give you a hint on the subject matter. You can look further to the titles to have a global idea. If you want to purchase a CD or music album you have never gotten the chance to listen to before,you can just quickly glance at the case or read the song titles. If you find out they have a negative content just at first sight,don't buy it. If not,you will find a million 'devilish' reasons why you should listen to it. Satan is out to distract us so we must be very careful

🎼The third criteria is that of the effect it got on other people. Maybe your friends insist you should listen to a new song by a popular band. First see how that song has influenced them.Do they act negatively or use new slangs or absurd words derived from that particular song? Then don't follow and don't sing that song. The bible warns us about such in 1 Corinthians 15:33

Finally,if your music successfully goes through these criterias and is judged good enough,then go on. But if not,flee from such evil music. As Christian teens we shouldn't make anything turn us away from our Christian values. No matter the devils clothing,we must flee away from it.

🎹🎷Conclusion🎺🎸

Nevertheless, we shouldn't be slaves of music,even the 'good ones'(those who made it through the criterias without getting eliminated). The bible tells us that not all 'sweet things' should be taken in excess(Proverbs 25:16). Music shouldn't replace Christ in your life. It shouldn't be at the center of everything. If you don't have time to read your bible but you are always listening to music,then beloved there is something wrong somewhere. If listening to music hinders you from doing other things pleasant to Jehovah, then you are in trouble. If your church offering is less than what you spend purchasing albums,CDs,concert tickets, then you may be serving another god without knowing.
Does your love for music unites or separates you from your family and friends? Are you present when they need you or are you drawn away consumed and drowning in music? Beloved don't be a slave of music(regardless of the genre). Don't let it take the 1st place which belongs to Christ in your life.

Hope it helped someone.
Love,don't be a silent reader😷
Tell me what you think☺

Jesus loves you and I too😘
💖Nissy