Music's Influence

Music: the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

It is interesting to me to see how different types of media influence people.  Music itself can shape a person’s mood and feelings or build on them.  Have you ever considered how the music you listen to influences you?  When you are having a bad day what do you want to listen to?  When you want to be happy what tune do you turn on?

I feel there is a special connection to our spirits and the world around us.  Our spirits have a sensitivity to the world around us.  This sensitivity can decrease over time when we surround ourselves with filth and evil.  However, when we are in tune we are happier.  I love the truth taught in the below scripture that was given to Emma Smith when she was compiling the first LDS hymn book:

“For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.” – D&C 25:12

When I read this I ask myself whether the music I listen to is “prayer worthy.”  Consider the quote below:

“Through music, man’s ability to express himself extends beyond the limits of the spoken language in both subtlety and power. Music can be used to exalt and inspire or to carry messages of degradation and destruction. It is therefore important that as Latter-day Saints we at all times apply the principles of the gospel and seek the guidance of the Spirit in selecting the music with which we surround ourselves.” (Priesthood Bulletin, August, 1973.)

Music can and does influence us.  Bad music can be found easily but so can good music.  Recently I discovered a Christian artist, Kari Jobe.  I love her song “What Love is This” that you can listen to here.

My challenge to you is to take a day and pay close attention to the music you listen to and how much you listen to.  In the car, headphones, at home, at work.  You may be surprised at what you find.