Music can’t affect me
There I am, when they play Elvis clips on TV, one after another. I’m glued to the screen. I can’t move. Captivated by this guy. The most interesting part is…I’m 2 years old! So how does this music have this much of an impact on me?
I’m not sure we truly understand the affect and impact that music has on us, whether consciously or subconsciously. To most, it’s just a fun way to kill time or take our mind off of things. At least that’s what we think. It’s actually much more than that.
To cover this correctly, we must dive in to its origin. Music was in heaven before earth was created. Ezekiel 28 speaks of instruments and Isaiah 14 speaks of Lucifer’s belief that he was the most high. He quickly found out otherwise. So yes, it is widely believed Lucifer was in charge of music in heaven. He then decided he was greater and more beautiful than God Himself. He was removed and took a third of the angels with him, convincingly. This means he was very persuasive. That’s like saying “hey, Ruth’s Chris is overrated. Let’s go to Jim’s taco shack!”…and off they went. Satan has skills in sales.
So understanding that music was spiritual long before earth was created is important. It is first and foremost a supernatural existence. Now that we understand that, we can dive in to how it affects us.
I’ll never forget the morning. I was just out of high school. I was already performing shows. After one particular show, the next morning my dad says (loudly) “I don’t know what your problem is, but that was terrible. Fix it and fix it FAST!” Somehow I knew almost immediately what he was referring to. The reason I knew was because I received a lot of compliments and knew my voice was on that night. So it wasn’t the performance itself. He may not have even known it, but he was referring to the spirit behind the performance. The week leading up to that show, I was living like total hell. Doing anything and everything I’ve ever been taught NOT to do. So while my vocal performance was on point, the spirit behind it was that of lawlessness, recklessness, and rebelliousness. The opposite is just as true. I once sang the saddest, most miserable Merle Haggard song in a bar and after the set, someone came up to me and told me they literally felt Jesus in the room. My life leading up to that was in line with Godly living.
How you live your life and how you conduct yourself and where your heart truly is, determines the spirit behind your art and your life in general. There’s no way around it. This explains why sometimes you’re being led in worship and feel like you just want it to stop because it seems anything but God-like. Sometimes it’s because the leader isn’t worshiping. He’s either hiding what he’s truly thinking or putting on a show so everyone will notice how great he/she is. If it’s not worship, the congregation will know it. Side note for worship leaders: If you’re singing 247 notes over 1 word, note to self… almost all of the people you’re leading can’t do that. So it becomes a concert. Stop putting on concerts and start worshiping. I was a worship leader at our church at a young age. I’m more than capable of delivering “vocal gymnastics”, as some of my friends would call it. But when I led worship, I didn’t. I kept it in range so everyone could join in. No one really cares how good you are when they’re trying to worship their God. This isn’t about you. It’s about HIM. So please, just stop! (Steps off soapbox)
Another important thing to discuss concerning music is that because it’s supernatural first, then its words and music impact your mind. It falls in to the “Garbage in-garbage out” category. Not trying to pick on a genre, but the majority of rap has no inspirational value. It’s mostly boastful, degrading and proud of being the least moral people you know. But our society embraces it. Mainly because of the hypnotic beats and patterns that move us. You must understand that while you may not be paying attention to the lyrics, they’re entering your mind regardless. I’ll give you an example.
Someone I know very well, when he was a teenager, he began listening to “gangsta rap.” This kid was a kind, fun, humorous, laid back dude. Over time, he became quieter, angrier, and more miserable. His father entered his room and asked for all of his music (before the days of digital music). As his dad went through the music, everything that his dad didn’t approve of hit the trash can. Almost overnight, the attitude changed.
Whether we like it or not, we are directly affected by the music that is around us. What goes in our ears, whether we even realize it or not, affects how we act, react and treat others.
I’m not suggesting that we all listen to only Christian music. Not at all. I’m saying, be mindful. Be aware of the words that are being sung/spoken. Here’s what I’m saying, if I say “to the windows, to the wall” and you know exactly what I’m referring to and not only have no problem with the song but also love it, then you definitely need to reevaluate where God is in your life. That song is not ok. It’s not cute. It’s not necessary. It affects you, whether you like it or not. Didn’t mean to step on toes, but it is what it is… and it’s real!
The main thing songs like that do is desensitize you. One of the primary tools to hearing what God is telling you is being sensitive to what He’s saying. If you break down that sensitivity, you have a harder time hearing Him. Remember, if Satan was in charge of music, don’t you think he knows that it’s a tool he can use against you? And if he knows that, why don’t we acknowledge that? Never forget that the #1 tool of the enemy in warfare is to make you believe there isn’t a battle at all. Then you are overtaken by it and never saw it coming. Do not be deceived. There is a war for you. And music can play a role. Whether it’s a role FOR YOU or AGAINST YOU…is UP TO YOU.
Stay Classy GP!
Grainger