“Do you think it’s wrong to still listen to secular music?” I asked my mom as we started to have our daily deep dive conversation about God. The question had been piercing my mind for the last couple hours, so much so that I decided not to write my original Substack idea: secular music still moves my hips.
My FYP had presented the question to me through a conversation between two people exchanging thoughts through those seen-too-often podcast microphones. And yes, as a fellow podcaster, I do believe there is an overwhelming amount of podcasts out there. Ah, my thoughts on that will be saved for another day.
One thing I will say, I believe the microphones are so intoxicating because they give you such a feeling of authority. Of course I know what I’m talking about. They wouldn’t have let me have the podcast mic if I didn’t, duh. It’s a strange dose of power.
I immediately noticed one of the individuals in the video, as I had seen her in my algorithm before, only at specific times. A black woman who has openly shared her journey to Christ. Everything from living in the world, an experience with abortion, and all the things you “need to know” about a relationship with God in a modern day society.
Here is how the conversation between the two went (I will be including only the parts that stuck out to me most, while keeping the integrity of the conversation.):
Man: Can somebody not enjoy life? Can they not enjoy music that is not of God? Woman: I love that question. Man: People listen to rap. People turn up. Like, you did at one point, which we'll talk about as well. But you did say something on that earlier when I was listening to you. You were like "Well, I wasn't talking to the world. I was talking to the people who I know I serve and who I been teaching and training the right way to do things." Woman: That's correct. Man: But, it's just...is that judgmental? Where I hear people be like "That's why people don't like God now. You're judging people, how people do things." What's your thoughts on that? Woman: I love that question. When you give your life to Christ, you are in a covenant. Like a marriage.....You just asked a pivotal question, Can we not have fun? Tell your wife that tonight. Go home and say you want to talk to a few other women and say "Can I not have fun?" Man: Wow, yea Woman: Like, I just gotta be with you forever?.....That's what you're asking. That's what you're saying to God.
Can you say convicted. My mind couldn’t stop debating whether or not I should give in to the guilt that my playlist was now causing me. How can someone else tell me what I should and shouldn’t listen to? Should I not be prideful, and tune my heart to wisdom? The best question is, how does God himself actually feel about this topic?
In today’s society everyone is pipping up about what is right and wrong, especially us in the spiritual community. I’ve always appreciate the people, like this woman, who not only share the gospel, but are also honest about their spiritual journey. We all know the high-and-mighty church people who take advantage of the fact that to the naked eye their virtues seem pure and uncondemnable. If you ask me, they always seem to be the people with the biggest demons.
However, I do believe there is a fine line that some believers don’t know how to tread on carefully. They essentially ignore the line altogether. Where do we mark the spot between educating and condemning? I wanted to offer up my thoughts on where I stand now with my my perception of being a believer in this society.
My thoughts:
Religion will never beat relationship
The reason I have decided to start identifying as spiritual is because I believe the concept of religion is toxic. Religion is not only organized, put it’s organized by sinful, imperfect humans. I’ve seen Church become a sport of who-has-the-cleanest-spiritual-slate (spoiler: no one ever wins). The happiest I’ve ever found myself with God was outside of church; no one able to tant or confuse my connection. I understand the importance of congregating with like minded people, as we need relationships in all areas of our lives. I will say I’m glad that I’ve been able to reconnect with the body of the church over this past year. I have taken the time to learn that going to church is not about going for the people. It’s about going for God, it’s about the relationship.
The taste of your spirit will change
In my time of getting closer with God I’ve noticed that I’m not the same person I was. Let’s be clear, I loved the person I was. The streets were very cozy; I even felt I truly belonged there at one point. It’s hard to shed your old life while trying to confidently walk in a new one. This is undoubtedly a change that you can’t fight. Chances are, what used to be fun will no longer be fun. The people who used to give you goosebumps will no longer have any lasting affect on you. The things that used to fill your spirit will leave you empty. Taking up your cross and denying your flesh will, over time, becoming exciting. Y’all I can’t believe I don’t like being outsideeeee anymore. But, I choose to believe what I’m giving up will be replaced with something so much greater.
No one has the right to condemn you
He who is without sin cast the first stone. The same way Jesus ate those men up, I’m going to eat some of y’all up too. Some people must really think God gave them the authority to cosplay him here on Earth. Like, girl??? Who are you to tell me about me and my soul? No matter how good you get in with the big man upstairs, you’ll never be just enough to crucify someone’s life choices. This is why I have become intentional about not consuming every spiritual piece of content that floats through my algorithm. I believe in going to the source himself.
My conviction is not your conviction
I know everyone has different opinions about the Bible, and rightfully so. There’s been countless examples of the book’s integrity being misused for the purposed of power, control, and justification. In my recent journey back to the book after years of avoiding it, I’ve come to learn two things: (1) You have to read the Bible yourself, if not you’re at the mercy of the interpretation of others. There’s so many things that I’ve come across that I’ve either never heard before or I’ve heard used in the wrong context. (2) There is clear guidance on how to help a believer in God live. However, I believe that we all experience convictions at different levels. My spirit and flesh many not be affected the same way that yours may be in certain situations. Maybe the thing God wants you to steer away from is not for everybody, but just for you?
You can’t run from the truth
Whatever truth God brings to you, you’ll never be able to ignore it. If we go to him, we’ll find all the answers we’re looking for. I guess I better go do that now.
What are your thoughts on this topic?
I saw another writer do this, so why not stick my neck out there. If you would like to support a girl’s target habit, which in turn supports her creativity, send a cute little donation to her Cashapp. God bless.