It’s a fight that’s plagued generations for years. When I worked at a local Christian radio station, I’d often get calls about a song. Inevitably, somebody would say how blessed they were by a new song, while someone else would say, “How could you play that rock 'n' roll music on a CHRISTIAN radio station?” Then our kids—wow—their choices don’t always jive with ours, do they? Ephesians 5:19 tells us to be “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (ESV). Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV). Does that mean we can’t listen to non-Christian music? No, but when it comes to arguing with our kids about their music choices, tell them to run the lyrics by the “Jesus test.” If they don’t think He’d listen to it, why should they?

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:23