Mister Brown discusses the transformative role of music in our faith journey. Music can shape our minds, so it is important to exercise discernment when it comes to music.

[0:00] Intro

[3:00] A better playlist

[12:30] Joy and freedom in what is good

[19:00] Can music be redeemed?

[28:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 12:1-2

2 Corinthians 4

Philippians 3:7-11

Psalm 2

2 Timothy 2:13

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

What goes in often is what comes out. I believe that what we immerse ourselves in, is what will come out in our daily lives. Whatever we listen to, watch, or read becomes the background for how we live. I think this is very apparent with music. For better or worse, music can be transformative and it can shape our thoughts and beliefs.

We primarily listen to Christian music in our home, but that wasn’t always the case with me. I listend to a lot of secular rap music growing up and it had an impact on me. The music I listened to was trying to conform me to worldly values instead of God’s standard. Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the world's standards but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. So I gave up secular music for the most part. I have a much better playlist than I used to.

My perspective on music has changed since becoming saved. I find joy in uplifting lyrics that bring me closer to God. There is a difference between positive, uplifting Christian music and secular music. I recognize that some secular music may have a good beat, but a lot of it says things that are against God's will. I don’t want music to transform me into anything other than what is glorifying to God.

I try to help students think critically about what they are listening by asking them questions about it. I’ll ask them to read the words out loud and they won’t want to. That is very telling to me and to them as well. Even if they don’t change their music choices now, I hope that getting them to think about it will help them make changes to what they choose to consume.

There is joy and freedom in reveling in what is good and good things only come from God. There is beauty in following Christ and living how God wants us to live. In order to do this, we must prioritize time with God, even if it means “sacrificing” the things we consume. To know Christ deeply means having a relationship with Him and the music we listen to can impact that relationship.

“...that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” Philippians 3:10

I want to encourage you to know Christ more through the music you listen to (of course, read your Bible too). Find transformation through music. Choose to listen to biblical and uplifting music. Listen for theological truth and inspiration. Renew your mind through worship music.

Seek God's goodness and faithfulness throughout your life, using music to worship and encourage others. Share your playlist with friends and family. Inspire and uplift them with redeeming music. Value the things that elevate and reflect God's goodness. Consider your own playlist and whether the songs are drawing you closer to God or further away.

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Rend Collective - Counting Every Blessing | Official Music Video

CeCe Winans - Goodness of God (Official Video)