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Why?

© Paul Landkamer

God gave us an appreciation for music, and He knew we'd listen to it. He mentioned it many times in the Bible. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (KJV) includes 16 listings for "music." That does not include all the different forms of the word, like "musician" and "musical." It doesn't include "joyful noise," "sing," "song," or any of the numerous musical instruments. God created us with a musical orientation. What kind of music do you like to listen to? I normally choose rock music in many of its divergent forms for my recreational listening.

Why do you like your particular style of music? My first answer to this was, "Uh, 'cuz I just like it?" I'm really having trouble getting away from that answer. Music shouldn't put me to sleep. Quiet, darkness, and fatigue serve quite well for that. I like to hum or sing along with music, so I like rather predictable beats and melodies. Bass doesn't irritate my ears as much as hissing cymbals or high-pitched guitars or vocals, so I tend toward heavy-bottomed instrumentals with vocalists who don't come across as trying to show off. Lots of different rock music fits my likes, but there's more to the overall music than just the music.

Is your chosen musical style coupled with a Christian message? If you can't tell it's Christian music by listening to it, it's probably not. I want mine to have a discernable Christian theme because I don't like the message of the anti-Christ. I gave Satan my ears for far too long, and they're finally healing. In other words I used to say, "I don't listen to the words." I can't listen to music anymore without hearing the message. It's a good thing for me, and a real eye-opener to the message of most secular music.

Why is image so important? As you've heard before, if you're known to be a Christian, people will watch for your "Christian" behavior. That's one of the biggest reasons more people don't come to know Jesus. They've seen, too many times, that "Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites." Naturally, those Christians who strive to live a real Christian life are seen as weird or fanatic (True Christians being "not of this world" is a real thing!). Ask yourself, "Am I the reason someone's going to Hell?" Thinking Christian thoughts also goes a long way in making your actions Christ-like. Regular listening to Christian messages helps you to think Christian thoughts. I like to share that musical Christian message, but for me to connect, I've got to know what sort of music my intended listener likes. The music needs to be able to communicate.

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