Learn to Discern

A trip to the local McDonald?s a while ago provided a very interesting observation for me: They just might be philosophers unaware. I redeemed my coupon for "2 can dine" and was happily enjoying Mc Dinner with my family when I noticed my cup: On it there was a girl leaning over a couple of turntables, wearing headphones, with a case of records behind her, and a large smile on her face with the quote, "Music brings energy to my life! I'm lovin' it!". Now, I realise the recent slogan of the restaurant is "I'm lovin it", but it was the sentiment before that, and the photo, that caught my attention. Music truly is an integral part of our lives, and what we listen to can affect us in either positive or negative ways, can energise or motivate us to certain aspirations and actions, feelings or perceptions.
I would echo our girl from the McDonald?s cup; I have always reserved a large part of my life for music, (I?m listening to a CD right now), as it is a powerful force in my life. If you are anything like me, and even if you're not, chances are "[your life is] alive, with the sound of music". Just consider the advertisements on television, the radio at work, or when shopping, the iPods, MP3 player, the walkman you use when you work out, (for those of us who still use these things) or the song you've been humming 'cause it's stuck in your head. Now, considering the bombardment of music we are under daily, wouldn?t you agree we should have some sort of defence against its constant influence?
In his book, Understanding Today's Youth Culture, Walt Mueller, executive director of the Centre for Parent/Youth Understanding, uncovers the fact that music effects more than the ears. The average teen?s life is saturated with music. In order to better understand our youth, a serious effort must be made to better acquaint ourselves with the ongoing culture of music and the role it plays. Besides the obvious hair, language and clothing styles our students choose, who's in their iPod also influence worldview choices. Today's teens are questioning everything. Who's providing the answers? As a parent, you still have the greatest impact, and despite what they say, your input is valued. Now, I am aware that we can not control all the music that is heard in our lives or in the lives of our students, but if ever you find yourself disagreeing with a music choice that your son/daughter has made, (and hopefully, beyond just not liking it 'cause it's too loud, too fast or too much like noise ~ it's a teen's prerogative to listen to stuff their parents don't like; didn't you?) there are always positive alternatives. When you get wind of some group they are liking, or that song that's always on the radio, listen to it, sample it, check out what they're saying; and if it doesn't mesh with or reinforce godly, life honouring principles, (Phil. 4:8, 9) then you can give an informed answer to your teen as to why you ~ and God ~ don't approve. They may not like it at first, but if you do it in a respectful manner, I think you?ll be surprised at how much respect you get back. It is something we all have to think about.