“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17
In a world overflowing with noise and endless amount of music, it’s easy to underestimate the impact of what we let into our hearts and minds. But just like what we eat affects our bodies, what we listen to shapes our spirit. That’s why Scripture repeatedly calls us to be discerning and intentional.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
My Story: From Just Listening to Listening with Discernment
During my teenage years, I listened to all kinds of music country, rock, pop, rap but my favorite by far was hip hop. I didn’t think twice about the lyrics; it was just music… or so I thought.
I attended a church where I was introduced to EX Ministries, and Pastor G. Craig Lewis’ series The Truth Behind Hip Hop. That series opened my eyes. It broke down the origins of hip hop, its spiritual roots, the culture behind it, and how the enemy is using music especially hip hop to influence and deceive, particularly young people. He taught about different artist, their lyrics, and how they glorify Satan. He brought receipts, he wasn’t just giving opinions he was exposing truth.
After watching part one, my entire outlook changed. I began to understand that music is more than entertainment—it’s ministry. It either ministers life or it ministers death.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” Proverbs 18:21
1. What You Hear Shapes What You Think
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
What we hear on repeat becomes the background noise of our thoughts. If you constantly take in messages that glorify violence, sexual immorality, disrespect toward women, pride, or greed, you begin to think those things are normal. They might even begin to influence your actions and beliefs.
But when you fill your ears and heart with things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), you’re aligning your thoughts with God’s will and character. You’re letting the Word of God shape your identity.
2. Influence Is Subtle but Powerful
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
Not every message hits you like a hammer some are slow and steady. That’s what makes them so dangerous. The devil is strategic. He’s not always looking to make you bow down to evil he just wants to get you to sing along with it.
Think about that: You may never say, “I worship the devil,” but if you’re singing lyrics that glorify darkness, death, lust, rebellion, or pride… you’re participating in it. Satan is pretty much getting you to worship him by singing and listening to music that worship him and not God.
“No one can serve two masters…” – Matthew 6:24
This doesn’t mean you cut yourself off from everything in the world but it does mean you ask hard questions: Does this glorify God? Does it draw me closer to Christ or pull me away? If Jesus was sitting beside me would I be listening to this?
3. Your Inner Voice Is Formed by External Voices
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” – Matthew 12:34
Music has the ability to speak to you. And eventually, those voices become your thoughts. That’s why it’s critical to choose what and who you listen to with intention. If you’re battling anxiety, fear, comparison, or confusion, ask yourself: What voices am I feeding on? Are they pointing me to truth or distorting it? Your mind is sacred ground—protect it like you would a holy place.
4. Listening Is a Spiritual Agreement
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” – Amos 3:3
Listening is never neutral. When you give your attention to something, you’re saying, “This deserves my focus.” Even if you say, “I just like the beat,” you’re still agreeing to let that message enter your spirit.
Would you allow someone to speak disrespectfully about God, women, or others in your living room without saying something? Then why let it play through your speakers?
“Set no wicked thing before mine eyes (or ears).” – Psalm 101:3
5. You Have a Choice
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” – Joshua 24:15
The good news is: You’re not helpless. You don’t have to be a slave to culture. You can choose what enters your ears, mind, and heart. You can switch the song, and fill your ears with truth instead whether through worship, sermons, Scripture, or godly conversations. Let your audio environment reflect the kind of life you want to live one rooted in Christ, walking in wisdom, and filled with peace.
Being careful about what you listen to isn’t legalism—it’s wisdom. The Word of God repeatedly warns us to be alert, sober, and discerning because the enemy prowls like a lion (1 Peter 5:8). He uses media, music, and messages to shape hearts.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27
The more we tune into the voice of Jesus, the more clearly we’ll recognize the counterfeits. So be intentional. Listen with your spirit. And remember: You become what you continually consume.
