The dangers of heavy metal, rock, and other types of secular music genres

Hello everyone-

I am a 38 year old married male from Atlanta, Georgia, USA. As a teenager, I rebelled against society. I got heavily into heavy metal music and the occult. I was raised in a Christian home when I was younger. Once I reached young adulthood, I started to turn my back on God. I regret those choices, and if I could go back in time and change things, I would. That is not possible, so I should share my story as a cautionary tale for others.

Please understand, not all music is bad. However, some of it opposes God and Christianity. We have to be wary of what we watch, what we listen to, and what we involve ourselves in. If it doesn't glorify God, then it's no good for us. Ultimately, we have to make a choice. Either we can be friends with the world, or we can be God's friend. Things are not always so black and white. But when it comes to having a relationship with Christ, we can't do so half-heartedly.

So what should we do? Always read the Bible. Stay in prayer. Ask yourself- if Jesus were here right now with me, in this room (or wherever you might be), would I be ashamed of my behavior? There is nothing wrong with liking music. It can be one of the joys in life. Just be careful. Van Halen has a song called "Running with the devil." We just have to use common sense when dealing with music and affairs of this world. Don't expose yourself to pollution. If it contaminates your mind, or if it makes you stray from God, avoid it.

I listened to heavy metal for many years. I became born again in my mid 20's. It is not our intentions that really count- it's what we do. We can sometimes do things that tie God's hands, and this may result in the inability for God to bless us. That is why we should always repent. We're all sinners, and we all have faults. God understands this. It doesn't cost a dime to say "God, I am sorry. Please forgive me."

Always be cognizant of what you are allowing to influence your mind. Expose yourself to Christian and praise music, and give God all the glory. The least he deserves is our utmost respect.

Take care, and God bless.

- WhiteHorse79

Almost Testimony White Horse79
We all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. The devil always tries to shame us and make us feel embarrassed that we fell away from God. But the best part of the story is that you came back to Jesus. Jesus told Peter that he would deny knowing Him 3 times and that cut Peter to the quick but then when it happened he was so upset and fearful that the Pharisees would kill him too that he told them he did not know Jesus.
Jesus told him that He was praying for him to be strong and come back to Him and encourage his brothers. That is what Peter did. You have done the same thing here WhiteHorsey79 by sharing your experience and giving wonderful words of encouragements. You are someone God can use in mighty ways telling young men to not give up when you fail but to know Jesus is with us and will restore us when we repent then send us out to help others too.

WE SERVE AND AWESOME GOD.((((WhiteHorse79))))
GOD BLESS YOU!!