Worthy Thoughts, New Era April 2008)
Have I felt a change in spirit while listening to this music? The Spirit often prompts through feelings. Pay attention to how the music makes you feel. How do I act or imagine myself acting when I listen to this music? How is the music affecting those around me? Do I see my surroundings as light and hopeful while listening to this music, or dark and depressing? Are the lyrics words that I would comfortably speak to my family and friends? Does the music cover display degrading material? If this music is accompanied by a video, does the video portray degrading actions or ideas? Does the group performing promote standards similar to my own? Is the music helping me accomplish my current goals? Some music may help you while jogging, but may not be the best when studying or preparing for a church meeting. Does the music cause me to think, act, or feel contrary to the teachings of Christ?
Quick Checklist
Face the Music
Talk about music with your parents. If “Be selective in what you listen to and your parents worry about the music you produce. It becomes part of you. It listen to, set their minds at ease by talking about your musical standards. Ask controls your thoughts and influences them how they evaluate the music they the lives of others as well. I would listen to and try to agree on some mutual recommend that you go through your standards. Listen to their music too. music and throw away that which Cultivate the Spirit. Now that you’ve eliminated the bad, fill your collection promotes degrading thoughts. Such with the good. Cultivate the Spirit by reading the scriptures and praying. Then music ought not to belong to young people concerned with spiritual listen to music that adds to that spirit. Widen your options. If you can’t find development. good music in the style you usually listen to, try something new. You can find good “I don’t mean by this that all of today’s music in everything from jazz to reggae to music produces unworthy thoughts. classical, and a variety makes your musical taste more interesting. There is music today that builds Remember that blessings come from understanding of people; music that choosing appropriate music. In a revelation directed to Emma Smith, the inspires courage; music that awakens Lord said, “For my soul delighteth in the feelings of spirituality, reverence, song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall happiness, and awareness of beauty.” be answered with a blessing upon their (Pres. Boyd K. Packer, Worthy Music, heads” (D&C 25:12).
Try Mormon’s method. Listen to some of your favorite songs and write down the lyrics. Then turn off the music and read through them. If they invite you to do good, they’re probably okay. If they suggest that you violate the standards of the Church, it might be time to clean out your music collection (see Moro. 7:16–17). Don’t say, “But I don’t listen to the lyrics.” Research shows that the human brain automatically picks up almost any message within sight or sound. Lyrics set to music can be especially influencing because they sneak past the screening mechanism of the brain and can be stored in the subconscious without your knowledge.
fÑ|Ü|àâtÄ|àç Using Music To build “The nearer we get to God, the more easily our spirits are touched by refined and beautiful things. If we could part the veil and observe our heavenly home, we would be impressed with the cultivated minds and hearts of those who so happily live there. I imagine that our heavenly parents are exquisitely refined. In this great gospel of emulation, one of the purposes of our earthly probation is to become like them in every conceivable way so that we may be comfortable in the presence of heavenly parentage and, in the language of Enos, see their faces “with pleasure.” If we could peek behind the heavenly veil we would likely be inspired by the music of heaven, perhaps more glorious than any music we have heard on this earth.” (Elder Douglas Callister, Our Refined Heavenly Home, Ensign June 2009)
Ask what the performer represents. Changing Your Tune We sometimes imitate the groups we listen to. Think about the name, album If you’ve decided it’s time to set a new standard for your music, here are some tips to make the transition covers, videos, stage reputation, costumes, and publicized attitudes of easier. your favorite group. Are you impressed Hang onto high quality. “Why not go with what they stand for? through your collection? Get rid of the Ask yourself if you’re ever worst of it. Keep just the best. Be embarrassed by the music. The beat selective in what you consume and may be great and even harmless, but if what you produce. It becomes a part of there’s anything about the music that you,” said Elder Boyd K. Packer (Ensign, makes you uncomfortable listening to Jan. 1974, p. 27). it with anyone else around—like your seminary teacher, your mom, etc.—it Don’t lighten up. Once you’ve set your might be time to change your tune. standards, don’t tolerate even small Define how you feel. Life is a series of doses of conflicting music. President emotional ups and downs, so it’s Spencer W. Kimball said, “It is obvious normal to feel a little blue now and that to remain clean and worthy, one must stay positively and conclusively then. But music that constantly makes away from the devil’s territory” you feel depressed, frustrated, angry, (Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: or stressed isn’t healthy. Choose music Bookcraft, 1969, p. 232). that clears your mind, relieves stress, and cheers you up.