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Favorite Music, pt. 4

I have really enjoyed hearing from some of you about your favorite music and why it means so much to you. Isn't it interesting the way some songs connect with us in surprising ways, and that connection lasts a lifetime? I also enjoyed hearing how the Lord has ministered to so many of us through music.

Allow me to say one more thing about music, and then we'll move on (I want to comment on Indiana Jones, and going back to school, plus some other things we'll get to over the next week or so). My best advice about music is to pay attention to what you are listening to, and know why you are listening, or why you like it. This goes for all music - Christian, secular, instrumental, whatever.

I have worked hard to find out as much as I can about the people writing and performing the music I listen to, all music. I have a fairly informed opinion about what I like and why, and what I don't like, and can give reasons. No one should lesson to music or the radio (including talk radio) mindlessly. Be informed, make good decisions.

This goes especially for Contemporary Christian Music. A song might be Christian, or "praise and worship," but it still might be shallow, insipid, or just plain stupid. Listening to that kind of music all day will not make you a better Christian. In fact, it might make you shallow, insipid, or just plain stupid. Pay attention to the lyrics of the songs. Ask what they are saying, what do they mean? Does the music have "meat" or is it just "milk?" Does it compel you to pursue Christ, or inspire you to a deeper walk? Songs that contain scripture will always be the best, and will be the closest to "true worship," according to scripture and the way our Protestant founding fathers worshipped. Feed yourself on the word of God.

For those of you who want to use music to develop a deeper walk with the Lord, I would urge you toward hymns. There are many albums out now by contemporary artists that are reinterpretations of old, sometimes ancient, hymns. Find one you like and marinate your soul in in it, letting it soak in deep. There's something about the old hymns that tie us to something ancient and lasting. We are reminded that this is not all about us, and that we are a part of a story that has been going on long before our time, and will continue on long after we are gone.

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