What are you Vibing to?
Author: Raquel Griffiths, RN, MPH, DHSc(c) (First United Church of Jesus Christ, Brooklyn, New York)
Writing Style: Creative Writing
Everything that the good God created IS good! After all, James 1:17 tells us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” However, our first example of something good being twisted and used as a tool of deception is when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). There is truly nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The devil may have changed his strategy, but the goal and motive is always the same – 1) make the children of God believe a lie and 2) let them live in shame and not have access to God’s gift of NEW/ABUNDANT LIFE (John 10:10). With all of that being said, let me ask you: what on God’s earth are you listening to?!
Why is this important? Let’s take a look at Satan’s role in Heaven:
- Ezekiel 28 describes him as “THE anointed cherub” with beautiful jewels, pipes and percussions – the guy was a gorgeous, one-person band!
- BUT – iniquity was found in him, he started feeling himself, tried to be like GOD, and got kicked out –*GASP* (Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14)
Since we know that Satan is a master manipulator, he’s always trying to find ways to take away the glory from God. CANCEL him by NOT entertaining him! How do we know what not to entertain? Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi in Philippians 4:8 exhorts and encourages us to line up our lifestyles with the Word of God. Ask yourself these questions each time you listen to a song:
- Is this true?
- Is this honest?
- Is this just?
- Is this pure?
- Is this lovely?
- Is this of good report?
- Is there any virtue?
- Is there any praise?
- Can I think on this?
- How is it going to help me?
Example: It’s not wise to listen to love music if you’re single, because it stirs emotions and hormones when you don’t have the Godly way of expressing these feelings (1 Corinthians 10:23; Matthew 10:16).
Always remember – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Use the Word of God to cut, heal, and transform you to make sound music choices (pun intended). FYI – holiness is cool, and “trap music” is a TRAP! The Word also teaches us that it’s never too late to change. Grace is a precious gift that we use to grow in Christ, as opposed to abusing it to live a double life (1 Peter 2:16; 1 John 2:1). You’re either hot or cold. It’s that serious!
2 Responses
I really like this topic because young people need to be aware that music really does matter. Often the devil uses it to lure us into his web, making us believe that it’s just a song, when in fact it gets into our heads and we sometimes can’t get it out.
You made a lot of valid points. When single Christians listen to love songs they might start to imagine the words of the songs and can possibly be tempted to turn the lyrics into reality. James 1 : 14 (But every man is tempted. When he is drawn away of his lust and enticed. Verse 15 states” Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin. When it is finished, bringeth forth death.