Oh, Be Careful Little Ears

Posted on April 8th, 2014

Oh, Be Careful Little Ears

By: Catherine Patterson

Music is such a powerful thing. It is present in nearly every aspect of our lives. A movie is not at all the same if you take away the background music. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have some music playing in the car as they drive. Even some elevators play music. I love music, but it is frightening how much it affects our lives…and sometimes not in a good way.

As I mentioned before, music is everywhere, and is pretty much loved by all people. It is extremely hard to avoid it. I’m sure you’ve heard this a billion times, but I’ll say it again—be careful what you listen to. Unlike everything else that we hear (mainly information that will be on the upcoming test) we can almost always remember music.

I remember songs I learned when I was 3, yet I can’t remember what I wrote in my essay a week ago. This is why you need to be careful. I can quote word for word parts of songs which I have never willingly sat down and listened to. How, you might ask? I hear the songs at the mall, at the gas station, at the grocery store, in the book store, on commercials…everywhere. Once I’ve heard a song, I can’t easily forget it. Once you’ve heard something you shouldn’t have, it won’t magically disappear from your brain. You’ve probably heard the saying, “What goes in, must come out.” And it’s true! Once you’ve heard something, it will eventually come out—either in your words or actions.

It’s hard to avoid listening to questionable songs, especially when they have a catchy tune and rhythm. But the songs with a catchy melody are sometimes the ones we need to steer clear of. Have you noticed something about the songs you hear while out shopping, in a restaurant, or in commercials? You typically cannot understand the words. Bingo! You might think you’re listening to an innocent song, when in reality it’s far from innocent. Satan can use these songs to get into you mind, to the point where it can even change you spiritually. These songs are not pleasing to God and only hurt you. You must guard your ears. There are plenty of songs that are safe to listen to and have catchy tunes. You just might have to search harder to find them.

Although we are not in control of what we hear in the store, we are responsible for what we do about it. If you hear something inappropriate on a T.V. commercial, mute it. That seems simple enough, but what do you do when you can’t turn down the volume or can’t change the song? One thing I’ve found helpful is to sing another song—not necessarily out loud, but at least in my mind. That keeps me distracted from the other song which I don’t want to hear. And I’m applying the principle of “bringing thoughts captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Bringing thoughts captive is really a simple practice. It just means you don’t allow yourself to think things that are negative or displeasing to God (like some song lyrics). The world and some adults try to make it complicated, but it truly is simple. My Grandmother says that when negative thoughts try to enter her mind, she just tells Satan, “I’m not going down that road,” and she refuses to think them. She fills her mind with praise songs; God’s promises (if you don’t have a little book filled with God’s promises, go to the book store and buy one. You’ll love it!), and she repeats—out loud—God’s attributes. (If you want a free copy of God’s attributes, just email me.)

Think with me for a moment. Do you know what you’re listening to? Do you think it is wise to listen to it? Would you listen to it if your parents were with you? Does it please God for you to listen to it?

Will you join me and make a commitment to only listen to music that is pleasing to God? If so, email me so that I may pray for you as you begin the adventure of becoming a girl that pleases God.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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