“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
I have been down a journey of different types of music through the years. I have always thought that my music preferences should be made up from a balance of genres that I like, and if I’m working with a worship team, Christian music must be a part of that balance. But now that I have been through a lot of that journey (and I’m sure there is still more to come), I can see that God wants me to listen to Christian music. Here’s why:
First of all, Christian music keeps my affections on things above, i.e. Col. 3:2. I always thought it said, “Set your heart on things above.” Eh, nope. It says ‘affections’ or ‘mind’, as other translations have it. You could say, “What I love is to be about things above.” Also in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” So in the Christian music world, it points to God or Jesus Christ, worship and surrender. As I listen, there are reminders and encouragements that are all uplifting to my spirit. There is a lot of ‘Transforming by the Renewing of Your Mind’ going on, so in my life, music becomes the vehicle of keeping my mind pointed toward my true love, Christ.
Also, all the other music is what I would call shallow or hollow. It’s just music that in most cases appeals to feelings or emotions. It’s a very temporary satisfaction, if it even satisfies at all. Even when I’m humming a tune later on, it feels shallow and my mind is usually not looking up. However, throughout the day as I listen to Christian music, and I am humming a song of worship, it helps keep my spirit joyful and positive, even when there is no music. As I have been growing in the Lord, I am seeing that my heart desires the worship that is in Christian music. There’s a fullness that satisfies the soul. That’s powerful. When something gets slammed on me at work, and it all seems impossible and things can go easily down the path of frustration…Nope. “And I ran out of that Grave! Out of the darkness…Into Your glorious day!”, Hallelujah!
How else can Christian music have a positive effect in my life? As time goes on, I have been listening to Christian radio stations quite a few hours at work each day. A lot of great music plays on that station, but one other thing that happens right along with the music is that I periodically hear testimonies of how God has worked things out in the callers’ lives, and even in those times when I’m feeling trapped, frustrated or even angered, and I’m trying to trust Him in personal things, there’s a caller who states their story and it’s an, “Oh wow!” moment with me. It reminds me of the truth and power of God that’s right here with me. God’s not dead, He’s surely alive!
So here’s one area of life we can embrace Colossians 3:2 in our walk with Christ. “I am redeemed, You set me free!”
—Brian Rainey
