As I type this, I'm listening to the extremely secular song "We Can't Stop," (a cover version by Hobbie Stuart; check it out), and I can't help but to think about all the people who would criticize me just for listening to a song that would mention such reckless behavior. May I add that I don't listen to music to hear a message (unless it's Christian music, of course). But, there are other things that can appeal to the ear. Perhaps it's the singer's voice. Or, maybe it's the beat of the song (which is why I love EDM music). Perhaps I'm rambling, but this is why I ask myself "Would Jesus listen to secular music?"
In a world where secular music promotes about everything evil in the world, there can still be good in each song. I recently read a post about a pastor in New York who plays secular music in their services because it draws the crowd who may not show up if a hymnal is being played on the church's organ. Not bashing traditional church services, but in this time and age, that isn't working. I'm not promoting contemporary worship either, but this is all beside the point. The point is in all things meant for evil, God can take it and make it good.
When Jesus roamed the earth, He didn't walk around with a "holier than thou" attitude, even though He had every right to. He was the King of Kings. P. Diddy who? He's the Big Daddy Himself! He's usual crowds consisted of prostitutes, thieves, tax collectors (and in those days, they were HATEDDDD). He even surrounded Himself by lepers. Lord knows in those days, a GOOD Jewish man would never go near a leper less he lose his reputation and great name. But, none of that bothered Jesus. I can see Him sitting around, singing psalms with His disciples. And, I could definitely see Jesus sitting around with the sinners listening to whatever they had back in that day. I don't know, maybe pots and pans? Who knows?
Here's the point; we are so caught up in Western religion that we forget what Jesus really stands for. If you weigh what He preached on a scale, the "don't" would outweigh the "do." His commandments were simple: Love God. Love people. That's it.
I can already feel the comments stirring: "Do not conform to the world." And, you're right! Do NOT conform to the world. "What does a man profit if he gains the world yet loses his soul?" I know all those verses, so save it. But, Jesus ALSO says something else: "It's not what goes into the body that defiles the body; it's what comes out" (paraphrased: Matthew 15:11). With that verse, I rest in knowing that although Jesus would probably shiver at what He hears in today's music industry, He would find some way to make it into something good.
Sorry for the random ramble. Thoughts and comments are welcomed!
