by Neil Anderson

August 22

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God

Music is second only to television in influencing and shaping the values of our children. How can you help your kids recognize the subtle seduction to evil in some contemporary music and encourage them to make wise choices about what they listen to? Here are some practical suggestions: Avoid the “do as I say, not as I do” syndrome. Before you can help your child evaluate his music, you’d better evaluate your own (Matthew 7:4, 5). The lyrics of some soft rock, easy listening, and country-western tunes are as suggestive and immoral as those performed by heavy metal groups. One of the best ways to teach your child to avoid harmful lyrics is by modeling the same behavior.

Be willing to find middle ground. Your personal taste in music should not be the determining factor for what you allow your children to listen to. Nor should your child’s taste determine what you listen to. Try to find some middle ground with your child when it comes to the kinds of music you will allow in your home. The key is to teach your child to be moderate and discerning, just as you are.

Stay informed and involved. When was the last time you looked through your child’s music collection or sat down with him to listen to and discuss the lyrics of his favorite songs? You won’t be able to understand the impact of the music in his life unless you are aware of it and what he thinks about it.

Take time to listen to your children’s emotional struggles and notice how the music they listen to influences their behavior. Be as encouraging about their good choices of music as you are corrective of the bad choices. Someday they will thank you for the harmony you helped bring to their lives.

Prayer: Guide me, Father, as I train my children to choose music and entertainment that is positive and uplifting.