Music is a powerful tool that influences our hearts and minds. While secular music is not inherently sinful, the Bible encourages discernment in what we consume. Here are Bible verses to guide Christians in navigating the role of secular music in their lives.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Worldly Things
Guarding Your Heart
The Bible emphasizes the importance of guarding your heart, as it influences your thoughts, actions, and desires. Music, whether sacred or secular, can shape our inner being, so we should be cautious about what we allow to fill our hearts and minds.
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Matthew 12:34
“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Colossians 3:2
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
Psalm 101:3
“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.”
Using Music for Worship
God designed music as a means to worship and glorify Him. While secular music may entertain, Scripture reminds us of the unique power of music to uplift the soul and focus our hearts on God.
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Ephesians 5:19
“Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.”
Psalm 95:1
“Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.”
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Psalm 98:4
“Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!”
Avoiding Harmful Influences
Secular music can sometimes promote harmful values or attitudes. Scripture calls believers to avoid influences that lead them away from God or promote ungodly behaviors.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.'”
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
1 John 2:15
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.”
Philippians 4:9
“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
James 4:4
“You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.”
Focusing on God’s Glory
As followers of Christ, our ultimate aim should be to glorify God in all areas of our lives, including our entertainment choices. Secular music should not detract from our focus on Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Romans 14:19
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
Hebrews 12:28
“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”
Psalm 29:2
“Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”
Renewing Your Mind
The Bible teaches us to renew our minds through God’s Word and align our thoughts with His truth. Secular music that contradicts God’s truth can hinder this process.
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Colossians 3:10
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
Encouraging Others
Our choices, including the music we listen to, can impact those around us. Scripture calls us to be mindful of how our actions encourage or discourage others in their faith journey.
Hebrews 10:24
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Galatians 6:2
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Romans 14:13
“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Living a Life of Holiness
God calls us to live a life set apart for His purposes. Our entertainment choices, including secular music, should reflect our desire to honor Him in all we do.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.'”
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”
Romans 6:13
“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 6:20
“For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lust of the Flesh
What Does the Bible Say About Secular Music
The Bible does not directly mention “secular music” because it was written in a different time and culture. However, it provides principles to guide Christians in their choices, including the kind of music they listen to. Music is a powerful gift from God, and it can influence our hearts and minds, either drawing us closer to Him or pulling us away.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This verse reminds Christians to focus on things that uplift and honor God. If a song’s message promotes immorality, hatred, or anything against God’s teachings, it may not be the best choice for a believer.
Colossians 3:16 also encourages Christians to let the message of Christ dwell richly in their hearts through songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. While this specifically refers to worship music, it shows that our music choices should reflect our faith and encourage godly living.
Not all secular music is harmful. Some songs discuss love, beauty, or life in ways that align with biblical values. However, Christians are called to be discerning. Romans 12:2 advises believers not to conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds. This means considering whether the music we listen to helps us grow in our relationship with God.
Ultimately, the goal is to honor God in every part of life, including what we listen to. Pray for wisdom and let God guide your choices.