Principle 3 : What We Watch and Listen to Should Encourage Godliness
One of my sons loves country music , which provides an opportunity for us to teach him how to be discerning with his music choices . He recently requested to download music by Morgan Wallen , who grew up in the church and claims to be a Christian . We preview everything our children listen to , so I found myself listening to Morgan Wallen and looking up the lyrics to his music . His songs are catchy but also contain references to being drunk , the occasional swear word , sexual immorality , and his goal in life is happiness . Sometimes , we ’ re tempted as parents to think , “ It ’ s not a big deal ,” and give our children the green light . The problem is that this isn ’ t a biblical mindset . Holiness is a big deal to God , and it should also be to us . So , I said no to my child ’ s request ( there were numerous attempts to change my mind ), and then Jen and I sat down and explained that God ’ s commands apply to all areas of our lives , including our music . Together , the three of us read a few verses that applied to Morgan ’ s music and discussed the following questions :
Principle 2 : Think about What Is True , Honorable , Pure , and Worthy of Praise
What kind of media should our children watch and listen to ? The Bible is very clear : “ Whatever is true , whatever is honorable , whatever is just , whatever is pure , whatever is lovely , whatever is commendable , if there is any excellence , if there is anything worthy of praise , think about these things ” ( Phil . 4:8 ). Do our shows , songs , or video games fit these biblical criteria ?
Good media is abundant , so be selective and strategic about what we allow into our children ’ s minds and hearts . We love Andrew Peterson ’ s music . We often listen as a family to Albert Mohler ’ s podcast , The Briefing . Introduce your family to classics like The Swiss Family Robinson , The Sound of Music , and Little House on the Prairie . We love watching movies about individuals in church history , such as Jim Elliot in The End of the Spear , Chariots of Fire , and The Torchlighters video series . There ’ s a rich treasury of true , honorable , just , pure , lovely , commendable , excellent , and praiseworthy media available . Let us find this media and think about these things in our homes .
• What is God ’ s directive for us with drunk people ? “ Hear , my son , and be wise , and direct your heart in the way . Be not among drunkards ” ( Prov . 23:19-20 ).
• What does God tell us to do with filthy language ? “ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these : anger , rage , malice , slander , and filthy language from your lips ” ( Col . 3:8 ).
• What kind of words should come out of our mouths ? “ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths , but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs , that it may benefit those who listen ” ( Eph . 4:29 ).
• What is God ’ s instruction about sexual immorality ? “ For this is the will of God , your sanctification : that you abstain from sexual immorality ” ( 1 Thess . 4:3-5 ).
Gordon Fee once said , “ Show me a church ’ s songs , and I ’ ll show you their theology .” Similarly , show me what your children listen to , and I ’ ll show you what they believe . Music is powerful and shapes who our children become and what they believe . Paul tells young Timothy to “ train yourself for godliness ” ( 1 Tim . 4:7 ). We must help our children choose music that is pleasing to God , obeys His commands , and helps to shape them into godly persons . We need to have a backbone as parents and say no to ungodly media , as it will not bear the fruit of righteousness in our children ’ s lives .
30 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW