Is Contemporary Christian Music Worthwhile?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services on Oct 12, 2009

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Q: I really like contemporary Christian music, but I spent a couple of weeks with my aunt this summer and she really came down on me and said I shouldn't be listening to such "noise" (I'm 16). I wonder what you think. - K.M.

A: I always hesitate to answer questions like this because no matter what I say, someone is going to disagree! Musical tastes differ from one generation to the next, and I wouldn't be surprised if 20 or 30 years from now you say the same thing about your own son's musical tastes.

This past summer, our organization sponsored a series of concerts in several major cities along the Mississippi River. A number of Christian bands and musicians participated, and my son Franklin spoke several times during each event. Tens of thousands of young people came, and thousands made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ in response to the preaching of the Gospel.

Would your aunt have liked the music? Probably not; it was very high energy and contemporary, and geared toward young people. But God used its message to focus attention on Jesus Christ and His love for us - and countless lives were changed as a result. When King David was making plans for the Temple, he ordered that "Four thousand (musicians) are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose" (1 Chronicles 23:5).

Ask yourself this question: Does the music I listen to bring me closer to God - or is it only entertaining me? Make sure of your commitment to Christ. Then make it your goal to grow closer to Him every day, not only through your music but through prayer, the Bible, and your fellowship with other believers.

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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.