Power of Music

Music has power to lift or bring you down. When you think about the music you listen to there are some questions you may want to ask yourself.

· 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?

· Could I comfortably speak the lyrics to my family and friends?

· Does the CD cover display immoral or degrading visual material?

· If this music is accompanied by a video, does the video portray immoral or degrading actions or ideas?

· Does the group or individual 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 best when studying for school or preparing for a Church meeting.)

· Do I think, act, or feel contrary to the teachings of Christ when I listen to this music?

-- (Laura Andreasen, "Pop Quiz," New Era, June 2006, 8-9)