Choose your Playlist Wisely

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

In an article titled "The Best Songs of the Year: Let this Playlist Power the Last Few Miles You’ll Run in 2023" and subtitled "Turning up these tunes will make the last runs of the year more enjoyable," shared by Runner's World yesterday, the writer said: Whether you’re running outside or just hitting the treadmill, good music can often make the difference between a rave run and a blown goal. That’s why we’re putting together 90-minute playlists each month chock-full of songs with enough of a beat to keep you moving. For even more tunes, check out our list of the best running songs. Among the songs they suggested the runners listen to were from artists Troye Sivan, Miley Cyrus, Central Cee, and Ice Spice. Having only heard of Miley Cyrus and knowing that her music was not God honoring, I checked out the other singers and was appalled by the lyrics of their most popular songs (not to mention the vulgarity of their videos) which were definitely not family friendly, to say the least. These tunes will definitely not be on my playlist no matter how good their beat might be. 

And you know, while it’s true that the upbeat tempo of a song can improve our running performance, it’s also true that the lyrics of any song that dishonors God will pollute our hearts and minds and should never be on the playlist of a believer. You see, whatever things a person allows to enter their thoughts on a regular basis will sooner or later determine their speech and actions. And since most of the music in our world today promotes sexual immorality, greed, and violence while belittling kindness, purity and integrity, Christians should take heed to what they listen to—adding to their playlist only those songs that cause them to think about “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.” 

So take measures to only “think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” my friend knowing that the messages that go into our ears have power over our thoughts, which can lead us into sin if we’re not careful. And believe it or not, immoral and profane music has the power to do that. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that what we listen to and view must be pure if we are to remain pure. Give us the discernment to recognize music that can cause us to go astray Lord and to abstain from listening to it, instead opting for music that glorifies You and promotes godliness.  It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!