M
usic is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father (See Doctrine and Covenants 25:12). However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit.
Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices.
Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. However, it too can be misused. When dancing, avoid full body contact with your partner. Do not use positions or moves that are suggestive of sexual behavior. Plan and attend dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, and music contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit of the Lord may be present (For the Strength of Youth, 20-21).
I have always had a love for music and dancing. Since a young age, I could be found dancing and singing along with tunes. It wasn’t until I was in junior high that I understood the effect music has on the mind and the spirit. Up until that point, I would often be found tuning in to the popular hits of our day. Most of the time I just enjoyed the beat, but when I started learning the lyrics to the so called “hits of the day” I could feel inside of my heart that the messages being portrayed were not uplifting. I couldn’t tell you an exact day of when this realization occurred, but I can tell you that I knew I needed to change something in my life. From that time forward I decided to only listen to music that was truly pleasing and uplifting to the soul. I was through listening to those things which degrade the spirit.
I began listening to songs which testify of the love of God and the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His infinite sacrifice in our behalf. This music brought the Lord praise rather than shame. The miracle is that making a change for the better in one area of my life (music) changed so many other areas of my life for the better. I noticed my grades in school began to excel, along with my ability to learn and retain things. I became a more loving daughter and sister. My circle of friendships expanded. I was a happier person. And many more blessings have been poured into my life since. My heart has been changed over and over again by the inspirational songs I’ve tuned my life into.
Living out a great season of my life, thanks to Jesus Christ, and two wonderful daughters, a great life's work. Loving this opportunity to share faith online...
I'm a single Mom, convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, second-gen Italian, from the East coast originally. Love the fine arts, dance, frozen yogurt, temples, scriptures, writing, jazz, helping others reach their potential, king salmon, ....and not in that order. God is good. I feel it deeply when people have a misconception of Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ, His Son, that lessens or cheapens Them and blinds one's ability to feel His presence or to trust in an ultimately good eternal end to life's circumstances.
