Hi people!!!
How’s your year going? Mine is going very well. A lot has been happening so fast with me already and I’m so much looking forward to what this year has to offer slash what I make of the year through God’s help. I’m a firm believer in the fact that life is what you make of it. Fine, there is destiny and all but you have the power to walk according to your destiny or to have it re-written by the enemies or by God. God could have planned great stuff for you and then you decide to walk against His plans so at the end of the day, a lot hinges on you and your choices. I digress… Anyway, today, I want to talk about something that gets me wondering sometimes. I’m hoping y’all can shed some light on the issue.
Okay, in 2007, I decided to stop listening to certain songs. I’m really into music, a whole lot. Back in the day, I knew the lyrics to all my favourite songs. It was never enough to know just the chorus, I had to know every line. For some random reason, I’m not exactly like people who say ‘oh, I’m just listening to it for the melody. It does not have any effect on me’. That will just be me deceiving myself. I practically meditate on these songs mehn.
When I listen to songs, I would imagine that I were the one singing the song. I would imagine performing the song to a crowd. I remember one ‘Lonely, I’m so lonely’ song like that. I would imagine being the recipient of the apology, love and attention. I even used to act in front of the mirror (Good Lawd, I was so weird then and being the only girl did not help, lol). Because of these reasons and more, I knew that at some point, I had to totally give up certain songs in order to strengthen my relationship with God. These ‘certain songs’ were any non-Christian songs. I could not be singing those songs and ‘Holy Holy Holy’ with the same lips, I thought.
For a long long while, I totally went teetotal on ‘worldly’ songs. None whatsoever! I shielded myself and as I’m not really into parties, I hardly stumbled on them. It’s only when I go into shops that I would hear some songs. I was totally engrossed in the Micah Stampleys and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choirs and the Midnight Crews. I was totally into the whole gospel scene and also, being in the Choir made it easy to carry on with my resolve.
Well, all that was until I heard one song called ‘Yori Yori’ in ’09. I must be honest, I was totally hooked! As soon as I got home, I went straight to my YouTube and searched frantically for the song. It was not that hard to find. I listened to the song non-stop for days. I went back to my usual imaginative self and imagined that it was me they wrote the song for *grabs head in shame* lol. Any tinge of guilt I felt was quickly stamped upon by justifications such as ‘it’s just a beautiful love song, there is nothing wrong. God is love nah’.
Anyways, Yori Yori led to others and before I could say ‘Caramel Latte’ three times, I was into all those Naija songs all over again. I would try to keep them ‘clean’. After a while, I stopped listening. But then again, I started questioning myself, ‘is there anything really wrong with these songs?’, ‘are you not being an extremist Temi?’ ‘are you not gonna play love songs at your wedding?’, ‘on your wedding night, will you be playing ‘Only you are holy’ or ‘Draw me close to you’ lol?. It was so so so hard but I eventually stopped.
Something helped me which I’d go on to share and I hope will help anyone else who is presently like I was and is struggling to know where exactly to draw the line in reference to various issues. It could be things like taking favours from people for doing your job, striking certain ‘deals’ which are not totally ‘pure’, knowing standards in relationships, etc. When things are not black and white, when God does not make it crystal clear what His expectations are, what exactly do we do? Do we stay as close to the mark ‘sin‘ as possible without touching it or do we stay as far away as possible? Do we quote the passage on if you think it is sin, then it is sin therefore, sin is relative or we cite the ‘flee from all appearances of sin’ scripture?
Like Paul said in I Corinthians 6:12, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any and in 1 Corinthians 10:23, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
This means somethings might not appear as though they are wrong, in fact, they might not even be wrong, however, we should get to a point where instead of asking, ‘is this sin?’, we ask ‘am I being edified by this? ‘Is this building me up or breaking me down, after listening to these songs, do I still feel like praying?’ This is the level Paul got to. It was not about seeking to know how far he could stretch the Word without breaking it, it was about the effect these things were having on him and his relationship with God.
Therefore, I still make a conscious effort not to listen to non-Christian songs because of my propensity to get drawn into them and dwell on them. It is a personal choice and whilst I don’t condemn those who decide to listen to them, if they seek my opinion, I will gently remind them how music is the key to your soul and how it is so easy to fill one’s self up with all manners of rubbish and as we know, ‘garbage in, garbage out’. Therefore, I guard my heart with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of life.
On a random note, I wonder if it is having a double standards to actively plan to listen to John Legend, BoysIIMen with one’s spouse because they are ‘love songs’ but not now because they are ‘worldly’. Is it double standards loving X Factor but not listening to these stars afterwards?
Where do we draw the line?
I will encourage us to endeavour to draw closer and closer to God and I know by so doing, He will shed light to anything that is unclear and give us the wisdom to know where exactly to draw the line.
What do you guys think? Muse with me!
That’s all people (for now)
Temiville.xoxo
Musings of a Caramel Latte Addict 
Jan 03, 2011 @ 05:20:18
I would agree with you on a level that worldly songs can be misleading, while you observations are insightful, you have rightly pointed out that you have love songs that are soothing and don’t lead you astray.
we have beautiful songs like “I did it my way” by Frank Sinatra, Your love is King by Sade, those don’t contain anything that would make you sin in my view.
we have folk sings that generation have always song like “Auld Lang Syne” sang just before the new year.
Even with rap, you have songs like “Letter to my unborn child” by Tupac or his “dear Mama” they are not evil songs. I probably wont play Bone thugs and harmony cause its a thin line between what I don’t understand and some evil words.
we have to know where to draw the line, nothing is wrong with the Yori Yori’s or the Ololufe by Wande Coal, or the Omo Pupa from Victor Olaiya or even Oni dodo Oni Moin Moin sang by fela in his early days.
I think you should enjoy your music as the extremes are what we should worry about , that we should do all things in moderation. life is for the living , music is a way to the soul and there are some beautiful songs out there. See R kelly’s “when a woman loves”, makes you love and appreciate you partner or spouse or girlfriend even more.
Songs have always been a medium to teach and instruct, share joy , give comfort in times of despair, its all about choice . So have fun because I love music and I listen to that which appeals to me whether its my ; “Prayer” by Andrea Brocelli and Celine Dion in the morning, to Happy People by R kelly in the afternoon or Knock on wood rmx by Seal later in the day, and even during meditation “Make me a channel of your peace” Choir of Westminster abbey. music makes me happy and is my best friend. Have a lovely new year, I think your piece is lovely all the same.Salud
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:14:44
Hey Adedeji, thanks so much for your insight. You won’t believe back in the day, Bone Thugz n Harmony was one of my favourite groups o. I knew that their Crossroads song totally. However, a friend of mine told me that music comes from inspiration. Something must inspire you: either good or evil. Either God or the devil. No in between. I asked him, ‘ok what about songs like ‘Im a Barbie girl’ ‘. His response was either God or Satan inspired it… I thought there were gray areas. He disagrees. I really don’t know. I love Oni dodo oni moin moin. But mehn I really don’t know. I just pray God gives us wisdom. Thanks again xoxo
Jan 03, 2011 @ 05:55:50
I agree with most of all u mentioned but I must say…there are some christian songs we shouldn’t be listening to…not because of the lyrics but because of the ‘vessel’ rendering said song(and consequently the spirit behind d lyrics)..I’ll give an example…there’s a chorister in my church who has such a wonderful voice but once he opens his mouth to sing my spirit is highly vexed…I thot it was only me at first that felt it until I heard a grp of people discussing the same thing..when this guy sings he sings to get the praises and adulation of men and not to usher people into the presence of God..so pls watch out for some christian songs which do not seek to glorify God…about x-factor..the devil is a cunning nuisance..u might think watching is not bad afterall its a show but music is a spirit and sows seeds..(we know the songs being rendered are not godly)and one day you’ll find yourself singing the song as though u had painstakenly memorised it..in summary just flee all appearances of evil and test all spirits!ciao
Jan 03, 2011 @ 18:56:31
You are so on point! I think a lot of singers/ministers are susceptible to pride setting in. My fiance is in the choir and she is always extra prayerful that pride does not come in to her life. She always refers to Lucifer who was a singer and lost all through pride.
God take charge
Thanks oludami
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:17:47
I totally feel u dear. Even being in the choir sometimes scares me. When I handle the mic, I am extra careful what kind of spirit I give off. Last year, after praise, someone walked up to me and said, ‘you are a great performer, have you thought of going into singing professionally’. That was the greatest insult to me. I want to lead people to God not entertain them…anyways I could go on and on.
I love the way you summarised it “just flee all appearances of evil and test all spirits!” C’est fini! Thanks again love.x
Jan 03, 2011 @ 06:54:39
like you said the question is whether the music edifies you or not . obviously all music fulfills a certain something in your life and sometimes some secular music even lifts your spirit just like worship will lead you into the presence of God and to pray and worship him. I do listen to both Christian and secular music although im more specific on content of secular music, if its vulgar , i will not listen . some of my favorite music is contemporary African music and i dont see myself stopping to listen to it. There is a time for everything and so when it is that time to worship which should be all the time then one should never listen to explicit or sexual inciting music….btw i also wonder about the deep love songs when you’re married n all????? married Christians help????
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:19:01
Thanks Mbazazi, I really need married people to give us their advice, lol.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 09:16:36
Nice piece! I totally agree with you that there are some songs that one shouldn’t listen to simply because it is not edifying. That said, how exactly would one define a “christian song”? Is a christian song only a christian song because it contains worship words or “Jesus”words? I know many poems/songs that are not “christian” (in the way that one would define christian) but are also edifying, depending on the context in which it is used. A perfect example is Songs of Solomon in Scriptures…depending on who uses the words, it can actually be insulting for the hearer, or edifying. I think the most important thing is to follow what your Heavenly Father tells you…he customizes his advice/instruction to each child of His depending on what they are going through in their lives at the time…and depending on the maturity level. What an awesome Father. Have a blessed 2011 🙂
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:21:46
Hmm, interesting Lara. I like when you said,’ Is a christian song only a christian song because it contains worship words or “Jesus”words? ‘ I think you make a fine point with the Song of Solomon scripture. Hardly will we ever have to open SoS in most churches. But I think it shows that God has a place fro love and romance. It is just the vessel from which it comes that we should watch. Lord help us all ooo.
Have a fab 2011 and may God’s blessing surround you on all sides. Loads of love, T.xxx
Jan 03, 2011 @ 09:50:11
I did the no secular music thing in uni, and though it helped me feel ‘righteous’, I only did it cos that’s what was expected of me as leader in fellowship… I remember watching Double Platinum (Brandy and Diana Ross) with a friend and I was singing along to the one of the songs, I think it was ‘have you ever loved somebody’, my friend was like, hmmmm ‘sister Gbemi’… I just said, you know what, scratch all this ‘sister’ bizness joor. If I’m never going to listen to secular music, then I must never see another movie, cos the soundtrack won’t be ‘holy’…
While I find my self drawn to most songs for the lyrics, I like a lot of the new naija music just for the beats. I know that music is a powerful tool. Case in point, Saul needed David to play music to bring God’s presence. Music can bring you into God’s presence or take you away from it.
Where do we draw the line? Methinks everyone’s line had to be drawn individually, based on personal conviction and not what anyone else thinks is ok. I listen to all kinds of music, read all kinds of books and watch all kinds of movies. I also realize that I must ‘guard my heart with all diligence’
I love India.arie, I looooove westlife…. in fact I walked down the aisle to westlife’s ‘flying without wings’ on my wedding day. You should’ve seen the looks on the ‘brothers’ & ‘sisters’ faces!!! I could imagine them saying ‘I said it, that girl is not born again!!’ *cheeky grin* Right now, I have MI2 on replay, I like ice prince’s oleku and Tiwa Savage’s kelekele love and many others…. God help me 🙂
Happy new year! May it be a great year for us all in Jesus name.
http://www.gbemisoke.blogspot.com
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:24:42
” in fact I walked down the aisle to westlife’s ‘flying without wings’ on my wedding day. You should’ve seen the looks on the ‘brothers’ & ‘sisters’ faces!!! I could imagine them saying ‘I said it, that girl is not born again!!’ *cheeky grin* ” LOLZ!!!! I love you already Gbemisoke. You are too funny!
I’ve been right there in the past. I tell myself, ‘hun, are you not just deceiving yourself?’ That’s why I try so hard to discover God for myself instead of being spoonfed other people’s experiences of God. I know there’s so much to learn from God. I don’t want to be a fake person. God help us all!
Jan 03, 2011 @ 10:16:52
Wow! I can relate to all you’ve said! And likewise ive found that that same verse 1 Cor 10:23 , as helped with alot of decisions with regards to decisions where one is not sure with regards to Gods stance on certain things. I guess its all personal, seeing as we`re all going to be judged individually!
God bless u
http://www.diaryofabrokesinglestudent.blogspot.com
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:25:37
Hi Joseph, thanks for this. But are we really gonna be judged individually? Will different yardsticks be used to judge us?
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:45:15
I think we will, what’s beneficial to you might not be beneficial to me…plus our relationships with God are individual right?
God is more concerned with the heart that gives birth to the actions than the actions, He will look at our hearts and judge us, not our actions. If we focus to much on the actions, we become legalistic and get entangled in things that ‘have an appearance of godliness but deny it’s true power’.
True holiness will never be as a result of what we do, it comes as a result of what we are…
Jan 03, 2011 @ 11:14:18
Omg…yet another confirmation that we think so alike! I have said that to many friends about many of ur blog posts gossshhhh..
Anyways, back to topic. I went thru the same thing in 2005 where I instantly stopped listening to secular music even though I Loooooooooooooove music, have done since age 5, have been in the choir since then too, I have near 3000 [gospel] songs on my laptop, I sleep, get dressed, eat (etc) to music (Just to give you an idea of how into music I am). When I still listened to secular music, all the Ushers and Beyonces and Brandys were in my possession looong before they were released in the UK but somehow I was able to stop instantly. I believe it was the Holy Spirit’s way of molding me into shape, as it wasn’t neccessarily something I had been pondering about for a while I just stopped instantly and by His grace, it wasn’t too much of a struggle.
Of recent though, since 2009, it has required me to ask myself why I dont listen to them and the one thing I was always reminded of was ‘let everything you do be to the glory of God’ How does me listening to Usher sing “let’s take it nice n slow” or “caught up! this girl’s got a hold on me” etc glorify God [I have a VERY soft spot for Usher that I have to actually walk out of anywhere his songs arebeing played to stop me from falling]. They often promote the very things that we Christians should be against. Some may say, not all, but actually to find out if it does or not, you would have exposed yourself consicously (that means your mind and intellect are fully tuned in) to the song, lyrics and beat. Should you then discover it is not good, you have the hard task of purifying you mind and thoughts. Like the bible says, flee all APPEARANCES of evil. That means, it doesn’t have TO BE evil, it just has to look like it. So for me, a song that is outrightly secular and not gospel looks like ‘evil’.
That said, people also often talk about ‘secular’ artists singing ‘gospel’,e.g. Michelle Williams >Heart to Yours album, Beyonce, the rapper that sang on Mary Mary’s superfriend etc. My response:
Paul said “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.” (Phil 1:18)
I still need grace though, as exemplified by my my recent x-factor exposure. I thought Rihanna’s performance in the finals was so good, it actually made me want to go back on the secular bandwagon. Needless to say, I was on Youtube for hours after that day listening to Rihanna and consequently “oh na na, what’s my name” (LOL) was in my head for days. Took some serious gospelation, i.e. listening to all manners of gospel songs to erase my mind. *sigh*
Jan 03, 2011 @ 11:14:53
oh dear! Thats long! Sorry!!
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:26:02
LOL!!! I love it TT. Thanks!!!xoxo
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:29:09
Thanks T-T!!! I’m humbled!!! xxx
To be honest, I could not get my eyes off her performance all through. I tried my best to go to the kitchen to make tea instead of lookin and being drawn but I could not help it. I tried so hard lol. It does not help that the song is EVERYWHERE!!!
I’ve made a conscious effort to ask God for help. He sees our weaknesses. He’ll never ever cast us away. He knows our feeble frame and will always help our weaknesses.
Thanks again love.xoxo
Jan 03, 2011 @ 13:23:04
Temi, this is really good stuff. It’s actually something that I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. I can relate to what most people have said so far.
I am a huge X-Factor fan but dont follow the contestants once it’s over as I lose interest, I suppose I just enjoy the weekly competition / drama.
I definitely try to live according Paul’s advice in 1Corinthians and therefore careful about what I expose myself {and my child} to. That been said though, I looooooove P-Square’s ‘No one like you’ …… God help me. I actually wish I’d known about it when I got married, it’d definitely would have been played at the reception 🙂
Jan 03, 2011 @ 13:51:57
I know music is a tool in the kingdom of God and of the enemy but I have to be practical. Any music that is not vulgar and does not abuse women and the singer is not outrightly occultic I sing it.
What do I mean by outrightly occultic? Somebody like Harry Potter author I may say she might be occultic since she know so much about witchcraft.
Xtian singers are not perfect themselves and top xtians like Bishop Eddie Long (homosexual), T.D. Jakes (homosexual) have controversies trailing them including Tope Alabi. I am not saying they are guilty but they may be.
So apart from Francine Rivers, Don Moen, etc who are we completely sure of? Don Moen might decide to be homosexual tomorrow, things happen, so what about his songs?
So that should tell you that if God has given you a gift like singing prof., you should use it according to His Will, either exclusively for Him or freely.
I think we should stop classifying things though. Its kind of Deeper life attitude that will say don’t wear trousers (female) but you can put on tights, whats the difference?
Food is not xtian except you pray on it, your secondary school textbks are not written only by xtian, all human beings have basic feelings of love, etc whether xtian or not. Gifts given by God don’t necessarily have to be used only for xtian purpose, its for the world, thats why singers who strain to train for the world stage make better impact than those just singing got church congregation.
Singing is a gift and be used like other gifts like drawing, etc for humanity. As a xtian you still love, dislike, experience varying emotions, etc. I listen to Fela when I am trying to feel radical.
Lokk at Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey’s songs, they are full of wisdom. Wisdom is everywhere not only in the bible. If you need to borrow joy, happiness or wisdom form the world, do it. The root source of everything good is God. Afterall, if you need blood, is it only a xtian that can give you.
The main thing guard you heart and purify yourself daily and do deliverance reg. Evil could come in thru other means e.g.halal meat, they pray on the animal before slaughtering it. Starbucks is satanic, check their logo, its Queen of the coast,etc.
SORRY I KNOW I JUST RAMBLED ABOVE, SORRY.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 14:06:28
Contd. (sorry)
Why don’t you read only your Bible? Why read Vogue, Time, Sunday Times etc? Are they not full of insights? Are all the authors/columnists xtian?
You are free to pick anything you wan to listen to and also the Sweet Holy Spirit is there to help you specifically. Not everything secualr is evil as I said God is the root source of all things good, abi no bi God de give gifts, talents and brains?
There are some specifically anointed songs and there are some specifically satanic songs apart from that you are free to use your Holy Spirit-enhanced discretion.
There is plenty wisdom you can gain from the world and from the experiences of people who are not xtian that sometimes even the believers themselves don’t have.
REMEMBER THE CURSE GOD GAVE EVE, THAT SHE WILL SUFFER IN CHILDBEARING, ABI? HOW MANY WOMEN SUFFER TODAY AT CHILDBIRTH COMPARED TO DECADES AGO THANKS TO EPIDURAL, THE INVENTOR IS NOT XTIAN O BUT HE REDUCED THE IMPACT OF THE CURSE OF GOD.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 14:22:07
Final (I promise)
All gifts/working brains/good health are to be used for humanity but dedicated to God as we are xtians and different. An exception is when God wants exclusivity but apart from that you use your brain, man**am tryin to imitiate P. Matthew Asimolowo’s preaching*
God is real, that is why he created sex in the first place and all the organs and the figure V and 8. Sooo you are allowed to have sexual emotions but only under the seal of marriage, etc.
The aeroplane is modelled after the bird, and the ship after the fish.He is a Master artist, an Architect, a Stylist, etc.
I repeat, you can gain wisdom from different things, songs, books etc not only the bible but the root source is God just like the root power of babalawo’s power, wiches, demons, ect is God’s. They use leaves, animal sacrifices and human parts created by GOD!!!
I feel like saying more but also feel its enough.
LOVE YOUR BLOG AND LOVE ITS XTIAN TILT.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 17:10:47
AY oh! I’m laughing so hard now, there are tears in my eyes!! There was probably one of Fela’s songs playing in the background as you wrote these comments abi? 😉
Jan 04, 2011 @ 14:10:35
Lol!
Jan 03, 2011 @ 19:03:02
LOL!!!!!!!!! You are funny
Jan 03, 2011 @ 14:48:54
temi, you are so true, the problem is always , where do we draw the line? because the the line is so thin , we don’t know when we cross over. i love music too and over times , i have myself swinging my hips to those very songs i vowed not to listen to.i think ,it has to do with discipline and grace to say No to this , though it looks kind of innocent, it affects the mind.
Temi, Happy new year, all things are working together for your good this year.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 15:01:07
I love love love your blog! Seriously!
There was also a time I stopped listening to all these songs but I must say it isn’t always that easy!
I certainly don’t listen to stuff like “come girl, I’m tryna get your p…. wet” cause I definitely know that it is polluting my spirit, but I love John Legend and Lauryn Hill and I don’t feel anything bad in my spirit while listening to all that music even though they’re kind of addresing the same topic.
I think the way you portray it that you imagine yourself singing it is very cool and once you feel unease with a song or a certain artist, you should quit listening to them.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 15:03:28
Additional:
What one has to also think of is that “Lucifer” is/was the head choir master.
He probably had the best voice in heaven and he can also “bless” his folks with that good voice and while we’re thinking it’s just an ordinary love song, it might have a much much deeper meaning.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 18:46:02
Wow, but to be honest, I think it all comes down to conviction. This is because everything you do will be judged by the works of your own hands. The holyspirit is there to help us on our daily journey and to be better in ourselves and showing the love of God. However, having said all these things, I do find myself listening to songs that generally are alright. I have consistently asked what would JESUS do. Infact in most of my decisions I always what would JESUS do. The fact is sometimes I know when to draw the line, but then again I dont know if I can define my relationship with God with the concept of drawing the line. If a line is drawn, it can be crossed over, over and over again.Thus, I find hard to go with that concept, i feel its general and can be applicable to anything in life. For instance, a nurse working a Hospital, takes a considerable amount of tissues home every now and then and at some point she feels confident to start taking needles, syringe, cotton wool etc. In her case, it could be considered as stealing PERIOD. But then it could be considered as been greedy or just stupid. With a case like this, when should the person draw the line? I feel the concept of the drawing cannot be applied to God because with God its about your will and his will and the understanding of salvation. Consequently, the idea of drawing the line varies in application to the relationship with God.
Personally, I stand by his grace and ask for help, I like songs and I do listen to different kind of inspirational music. Hence, his grace has enabled me to define and develop crucial principles that I exihibit everyday of my life.
Anyways, the bible ministers to us in different ways and paul words can be applied to everything we do in life. Including eating food, when do you stop, also kissing whilst in a supposedly christian courtship, or watching a movie that includes sexual scences or voilence? It makes you question a lot of things, that is why alot of things cannot be justfied and that means it really does depend on your personal conviction. I dont believe whether or not u listen to secular music or holy ones, gets u to heaven. We live by grace so I suggest we all do everything right according to JESUS teachings and also the holy spirit convictions. This is about knowing that we will give account of it all to God and as we know he is merciful but I pray that we realise this, each time we take him for granted.
To summarise my essay (lol). There are two different analogy I can apply to this case. A) Is God upset, disappointed or not glorified when we listen to certain songs? To an extent I will say yes, he is, because he does not want us to be associated with the image the songs might be protraying which sometimes might not be inline with his word and priniples and can easily influence our mindset (Exodus 20 and Jesus teachings in the New testament).
B) On the otherhand, he might not be anrgy, upset, or disappointed, just be indifferent interms of the songs we chose to listen and dance to. Some of these songs tell a story re: life on earth and the expriences we share as humans etc. Some songs address social imbalance and some appreiciates culture, others songs celebrate traditions such Christmas etc and some songs are just about nothing.
In summary, it boils down to conviction so no point justifying any part of the scenario because its all about your relationship with God.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 18:59:37
I like your line, lol. You did not take any stand and you kind of remind me of myself. Neither here nor there…It’s all about the individual, I tell myself. However in my heart of heart, I know the truth is that God’s law should not be manoeuvred. I know its not black or white and there are some elements of gray but please what inspires these singers? Is it God or the devil?
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:51:17
LOL @ essay!!!
Mehn, I think A is the right one oh. I don’t think God can ever be indifferent…
nice one girl.xoxo
Jan 03, 2011 @ 19:05:06
I listen to worldly music wella. I dance to them. Play them in my car a lot. But I know you are right on point Temiville. I know it has the potential to cause problems. But it is not easy to leave them. I keep saying God understands. But does he?
Jan 03, 2011 @ 19:08:03
What is the meaning of worldly? some one should please define
Is ‘we are the world’ worldly? Is ‘heal the world’ worldly? Is it okay to listen to R Kelly’s ‘gospel songs’? Is ‘Mama’ worldly?
I listen to Yori Yori and you are right Temiville, we cant play draw me close to you or holy is the Lord on our wedding nights. So what do we do now?
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:49:56
million dollar questions…
Anybody???
Jan 03, 2011 @ 21:52:59
Hey…nice blog. There’s nothing for me to add to the topic, everything’s been said already. I really like the way you took a measured look at the issue and did not try to ram your own theology down our throats…lol
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:45:07
LOL!!! I’m glad i managed not to do that Neto. Which kain theology I get sef, lol. Thanks for dropping by and for nice words. They keep me going…big time!
Jan 03, 2011 @ 22:50:41
Music is universal. It is such a powerful force. Before the devil was a fallen angel, he was the head of the choir and dat is y today he is leading people astray through music. Personally, I love different genres of music ranging from pop, rnb, jazz, gospel, soft rock etc. What has really helped me in drawing the line is paying attention to the lyrics and not to get too carried away by the beat. As long as there r no lewd lyrics or swear words, I listen to the song. I don’t see anything wrong with love songs. Knowing when to draw the line is a personal thing. There’s no universal rule. The truth is everyone has a conscience, we know when a song does not glorify
God, we don’t need a prophet or a man of God to tell us if a song is bad or not. There r many songs that r not gospel but r good songs. I believe that we do need to make an effort to be careful about the kind of music we listen to. This topic cuts across other things not only music. For instance, will we stop wearing certain designer labels because the designers are not christians? Will we stop buying ‘made in china’ outfits cus most chinese people are buddhists?
I believe that sometimes we christians need to stop acting overtly spiritual. If we know that certain songs or even tv programs are leading us astray, then we cut off from dem. It’s as simple as that.
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:38:43
I feel you on that over spiritual stuff. Do u know how many times I have heard a song, unconsciously move my head to it then remember, ‘Haa Temi!!! You cannot be moving to such!’ lol…
Jan 03, 2011 @ 23:27:06
3 key points:
1. As a xtian one should listen to more of edifiying songs at all times. You can use songs to relax and dance but if God says STOP to a particular song, then thats it. Not all xtian songs are good. God told Baba Adeboye one time that ‘Hale ‘ means devil or something evil sha and he told us to stop singing the ‘Hale e e eyin Oluwa logo hale’.
2. As someone said, there are different types of songs. Some songs are only for matured mind. But l do not support pornography of any kind, though when watching movies.
3. Only God can help us. Who tempted Satan? Do you know? Where did the original evil come from since God created Satan and he was the first to sin?
Two explanations:
1. Satan became conceited
2. Satan was jealous of the place man(not yet created) had in God’s heart and the glory God was planning for man.
I am not sure myself.
But I know that anything good can be easily abused or turned to evil. E.O.D.
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:33:28
Hey Sandra!
Are you for real on the ‘Hale’ story? We still sang it on the 31st o. lol
I learned something interesting about the devil’s fall. Apparently it was his heart that was impure. He had not acted he just thought. That’s why we need to be careful what we dwell on, they become our thoughts.
Thanks Sandra.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 23:34:21
Flee from all ‘APPEARANCES’ of evil. Not just evil but also any similitude to evil…No secular music for me. I fall once in a while but I’m conscious of wrongdoing when I listen.
Jan 05, 2011 @ 23:30:46
Hmm. I pray to God for greater strength for us all. Thanks MarcusP
Jan 04, 2011 @ 05:04:35
this is one of the most controversial issue in our time
on twitter @pastorYPJ had a couple of things to say
— “Church tries 2make music a gospel/secular issue when the truth is its really a gospel/profane issue. #Secular- nonreligious #Profane-UnHoly
—- #Secular isn’t necessarily bad. We eat, shop, work, & learn at nonreligious establishments everyday, but #Profane is 2be against
—-“HappyBirthday” “NationalAnthem” & “The ABC’s” are technically secular songs. They’re not bad but Songs that endorse unGodly things profane.
—- People won’t eat just anybody’s cooking without investigating the source of the food, so why aren’t we the same with the music we consume?
—–I personally dont believe a spirit filled believer can listen 2any kinda filth w/out conviction, but I also dont believe all secular is bad.”
if you love music, u like good beat and rhythm, what is left are the words that make up the song. do they edify you? are they filled with negative and strong words? what message is being passed to the listeners?
i rest my case.
Okeydoks!
Jan 04, 2011 @ 09:39:22
I can totally relate. Back in early 2007, I rededicated my life…to live for Jesus Christ in all that I do by God’s grace. Thus, stopped listening to ‘wordly’ music. Although I was told at a youth conference the implications of listening to those songs. That did not change me until the Holy Spirit convinced me in my spirit including wearing of skimpy clothes, etc. The scripture about..’everything that you do must give glory to God applies to things that I watch, see, listen to/hear, etc…As u know it’s only by God’s grace but with God’s help I haven’t done too bad. However, last year December I attended a grad party, I was proper rocking/dancing to 9ja music….most of the people at the grad party were shocked…they were making side comments about how devoted I am to my Christian faith yet I was dancing to music like that.
I felt useless that day, I felt I have offended God by not glorifying him..again nobody told me, my spirit convinced…even the people that made side remarks they knew that if you are born again and working out your salvation day by day with trembling and fair you should avoid such and obviously they didn’t expect such from a Christian like me.
I believe when we have/had a desire for something, inasmuch as we are still in this world, we will continue to battle with our flesh due to Satan really working hard for people to make his hell kingdom. We should just thank God for his grace because if we start debating about love songs, some would argue that Solomon wrote about love, etc in the book of Songs of Solomon.
Also, some would argue that it is not a sin that will lead to hell but to fulfil all righteousness it is best to avoid such music but I will advice people to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Jan 04, 2011 @ 11:45:01
I am so late to this feast! Hmm… in 2005 i was part of a fellowship that didnt permit secular music/ movies etc. Even some shows on TV (who wants to be a millonaire inclusive) were frowned at.
No it wasn’t deeper life. We wore jeans etc….Then one day they said no more trousers. Then another day they said it was okay to wear trousers. I hadn’t even turned 20 yet and i was behaving like a robot. I was scared and so was my family, they fought with me till i broke free. (I dont want to go into all the negative things that came out of those decisions i made as i was young and FOOLISH)
Yes Temi, I think it is double standard to condemn some music and watch Xfactor & ANTM, Movies- Hollywood/Nollywood as Gbemi rightly pointed out the movies you watch dont have ‘gospel’ sound tracks. Do the movies we watch actually edify us?
It worries me that most xtians focus only on music. Which is why i would still respect that fellowship, though i pulled out of it because theirs was no secular anything. GBAM.
My brother-in-law literally condems me for watching TSN all the time and he loves to watch Idols, America’s got talent, football & yet i am the carnal one so i really dont get it….
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
I believe that if you TRULY follow God for yourself you will learn what is acceptable(by him) and what isn’t.
In an Interview, Jeremiah Gyang said he would rather be addressed as a Musician who is also xtian than as a xtian/Gospel Musician. Saying there is no such thing as Gospel Lawyer.
Happy new year peeps…
Jan 07, 2011 @ 01:33:56
Thanks Amira, as usual very thought provoking…
Haa my Nollywood movies!!! Where will I start from? lol
Jan 04, 2011 @ 13:52:50
For me, I just steer clear from dem songs.
Most of the Nigerian tunes are meaningless and very degrading to the female – lyrics r usually about a woman;s behing, boobs, sex, and other demeaning things so, that just puts me off instanta.
Not all songs that say “halleluyah” or even ‘Jesus’ are godly. Like i would not worship with a song by R Kelly etc.
One really needs to be careful with music as it is such an intense tool.
God help us.
Love lots.
Jan 04, 2011 @ 23:44:47
LOL! Temi, I read ur post and I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard in a while, I’m all alone at home and laughing at the part where you’re thinking they r singing yori yori to u, lol.
But my tiny bit to add, I’ve also been passing thru this phase, cos I wiped secular music out of my life as well, in fact I’ve got only christian music on my ipod, which was hard cos I was a die-hard fan of westlive and back street boys ooo,and recently I was making my friends hair and she was playing these songs, I’m sure you’l remember them from that nonsense music place that used to over-play only the tunes of songs opposite D-Ivy. The song was ‘loving you is easy cos ur beautiful’ … And others like dat and I started singing along and she was like ‘ha! U know such songs?’, lol.
I’ve started questioning the right or wrong of listening to d song cos honestly, I want to dance to dat song wif my hubby on our wedding day at some point :). But someone sed above that its either God is angry wif us for listening to them, or he’s indifferent. But wif how I live my christian life, gettin God angry aint good, and I’m also never satisfied with just making God indifferent, that’s almost equal to anger to me, my quest in life is to put a smile on Gods face by force by fire.
In conclusion, me I dunno o, lol, I thnk I’m really goin to do a lot of digging on this one, cos dnt want to do nethn to take d smile off his face 🙂
Jan 05, 2011 @ 11:20:58
*So i tell myself, i’d stop reading secretly without leavin my comments on Temiville! Only acknowledged your fantastic blog on twitter once, i think*.
Well, on this one, i know, those lil foxes will def spoil the vine!
I don’t know too many songs. When a song catches my attention, then i practically swim in it.
I might not know the artiste’s past songs, good or bad, i jus listen and listen well to the good one i stumbled upon.
Above all, listen to the HolySpirit in you, He’ll speak, we might just ignore based on our stubbornness or yield, for our own good.
P.S: YayyyyY me, I made my sis fall in love with your blog, jus by leavin it open almost always on my laptop 😉
Jan 05, 2011 @ 21:29:20
very interesting… but where do we draw the line like you said… do we draw only to wordly songs? how about shows? sitcoms? greys anatomy, desperate hosuewives, ANTM, ugly betty.. etc? how about the friends we keep who are not godly etc? where do we actually draw the line?
Jan 07, 2011 @ 01:31:41
Wow! I never even thought of all those…aside of X factor but only in relation to the song bit. God give us wisdom!!! It can be quite complex but once God opens the eye of our understanding, all will be made clear
Jan 06, 2011 @ 20:56:15
@shanday – Thanks for putting my thots into words perfectly. So am copying you here.
Music is universal. It is such a powerful force. Before the devil was a fallen angel, he was the head of the choir and dat is y today he is leading people astray through music. Personally, I love different genres of music ranging from pop, rnb, jazz, gospel, soft rock etc. What has really helped me in drawing the line is paying attention to the lyrics and not to get too carried away by the beat. As long as there r no lewd lyrics or swear words, I listen to the song. I don’t see anything wrong with love songs. Knowing when to draw the line is a personal thing. There’s no universal rule. The truth is everyone has a conscience, we know when a song does not glorify
In addition – while going thru some really though times, thanks to
Mary J. Blige – No More Drama album kept me sane.
Thanks to Destiny Child – Survivor for seeing me thru.
Celine Dion – Too many to mention – Love songs
India Aria – Acoustic Soul and Voyage to India Albums
Ron Kenoly – After giving my life to Christ, Ron Kenoly’s praise Albums kept me hungry for more of God.
Never let us underestimate the power of music, remember King saul and his demons?
I suffered 2 miscarriages back 2 back early 2010, the second one hit me alittle harder. My husband had to travel the very next day on a business trip that had been plan for ages and just cant be cancelled.
The next day waking up alone, i heard this music in my spirit. Celine Dion – All by myself – This song is very very sad, i had to rebuke it and immediately started speaking in tongues, no joke!
I am not alone, yes hubby might be away but God is alway with me. The funny thing was, I had not listen to that song over 10yrs now but still i remembered all the words!!
We must protect our spirit and not allow just anything in. Music is powerful.
On a happy ending i have since been pregnant and now in the last trimester, Isnt God just faithful and awesome?
Never give up on God because He is forever faithful even when we are faithless (2Tim2:13). Thank you Lord.
Jan 09, 2011 @ 14:02:57
Buky thanks for sharing. You will hear the cry of your child and as many more children as your heart desires in Jesus name. As yorubas say a won omo e a ba e kale (they will be with you till d end) Xx
Jan 07, 2011 @ 13:43:01
@ bukky, I’m glad we share similar views. Sorry about your miscarriages. Affliction will never rise again in your life. That bundle of joy inside you will be birthed without any complications. My prayer is that u’ll go to the delivery room and not the labour room. It is well
Cheers,
Shanday
http://www.shanday.wordpress.com
Jan 10, 2011 @ 22:22:59
AMEN IN JESUS’ NAME!!! God bless you Shanday for that!!!
Jan 07, 2011 @ 22:17:49
@ Shanday, Amen to your prayer, now that is a serious prayer. I will surely remember it and use it also in the future. Thank you.
Jan 09, 2011 @ 22:24:56
Angelsbeauty, Adura nla (Big prayer) thanks. May God bless all that is yours, Amen
Jan 10, 2011 @ 23:00:14
WOW! so i’ve been reading your blog from day 1 and i never left a comment..like i would have a comment o..but i’ll say it to the screen..lol. i would even read every single comment and agree or disagree. anyways, i digress. Last night or the night before, I had a dream, I can’t remember the details but I know I was having a conversation with my Pastor about secular music and I was telling him that I was struggling with whether to go teetotal or to put one leg in and one leg out and he was like I can help you but you have to seriously want to stop listening to them. I said yes and he said he’ll show me how and then I woke up…[perfect timing right?]. It got me wandering tho, was God trying to tell me something cuz I know i wasn’t thinking about anything of that sort before bed or even during the day. This is why when i saw this, I was like wow…temi is really in the spirit o!
It’s always been on mind but i have never heard a convincing answer. Cuz i would say I don’t listen to songs with swear words but then i would listen to another song by the same artist? i still listen to Fi mi le [laaaav that song]? like it’s something i’ve struggled with for a VERY long time…something i’m still struggling with. Cuz like people mentioned, TV shows nko? movies with very intimate scenes nko? i like the point someone mentioned about designer clothes..if the designer is non-christian would you stop wearing their clothes…? cuz by wearing it one can argue that you endorse the designer and all they stand for…
i could go on but i’ll hold myself..lol. God help us o…please any more light/thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated!
Absolutely love your blog..!!! [just thought i’ll throw that in there..lol]
Jan 10, 2011 @ 23:05:17
Thanks Bis *smiling shyly* I give every single praise to God. He helped me do this and gave me the zeal and gives me inspiration.
Wow @ your dream. May be God is telling you something but you do make a fine point about wearing clothes by non-christians if we want to really take this to its logical conclusion. In fact, we would not watch tv, x factor, idols, naija sings, we would not fix weave on etc.
I think God has the answers to all these questions. We need to seek His face and He will answer us through His word. I, however, am not sure the answer is subjective. I believe it is the same rule for all.
Keep reading the blog! 😀
Oct 17, 2011 @ 14:29:36
@ temi I relate to this alot. am 1 person who loves music and like u, see myself in the songs and jst let my imagination go places. I came to that point in my life where I had to draw the line and it ws nt easy at all. I still listen to secular music but not the vulgar ones. God’s word will direct us on the right path cos he is the answer to righteous livin.
Oct 17, 2011 @ 19:39:16
Dis is amazing. I must say, GUD JOB. It was like I was reading my experiences so I could relate perfectly well. May God gv us d wisdom to knw when to draw d line.
Oct 18, 2011 @ 14:30:03
Am a newcomer, and I love ur write up. The word of God cleary states that its not wat goes into a man that corrupts him but wat comes out of him. s
Sep 11, 2012 @ 23:01:27
Awwwww…..where was I in January 2011?
Okay, I am going to leave a comment for the first time, here. A friend introduced me to your blog last week, she sent me a text message “….you should read temiville.wordpress.com, I love this blog, very inspirational atimes, hilarious, educative, great….”.
She is my bestie, so I decided to check it out and here I am…haven’t had any dull moment so far. Since then, I have been reading your blog posts….and I have enjoyed all of them, but I have never left a comment, I guess that’s not fair…:) I must say I really loooooooooooove your blog.
This particular post reminded me of myself last year, I decided to stop listening to ‘non-christian music’, I had to delete about 1GB of songs from my phone….but it wasn’t easy, I mean I still knew the lyrics to most of these songs but I just wouldn’t sing them out but they kept playing in my head.
I just prayed and made up my mind to only listen to songs that lift my spirit, make me, and inspire me….and I felt better that way.
I just got a blog recently, I am going to blog about that experience of mine…then send you a link perhaps.
And your blog design is coooool…love it!
Cheers!
Sep 13, 2012 @ 06:30:26
Thanks for your comment 😀
Jul 04, 2013 @ 04:56:38
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
I think that you should write more about this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically
folks don’t talk about such subjects. To the next! Cheers!!