Christian Living: Does It Really Matter What Music I Listen to or Movies I Watch?

Yes, what you consume matters because it shapes your thoughts, values, and heart. Your brain is like a sponge; what you "feed" it through music, movies, and gaming determines how you view yourself, others, and God.

If you’ve ever sat in the halls of Cordova High or walked through a park in Bartlett, you know the vibe. Everyone is plugged in. AirPods are basically a permanent accessory. We live in a world where the "901" is constantly loud, and most of that noise is coming through a five-inch screen in your pocket.

But have you ever stopped to wonder if the music hitting your eardrums or the show you’re binging is actually doing something to you? Is it just "background noise," or is it a blueprint for how you think?

The "Garbage In, Garbage Out" Reality

In the tech world, there’s a phrase: GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out). If you feed a computer bad code, you get a broken program. Your heart and mind work the same way. You can’t listen to lyrics that celebrate devaluing people and then expect to be a person who treats others with Christ-like honor. You can’t watch movies that normalize anxiety and hopelessness and then wonder why you can't find peace.

The Bible gives us a high-definition filter for this in Philippians 4:8:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."

This isn't just a "good suggestion" from a guy in a robe. It’s a survival guide for your soul. If what you’re watching or listening to doesn't fit into those categories, it’s not just "entertainment", it’s a pollutant.

Definition: Sanctification

Sanctification is the lifelong process where the Holy Spirit works in a believer to make them more like Jesus. It involves setting ourselves apart from things that dishonor God and moving toward things that reflect His character.

You Are Being Manipulated (And It’s Not a Secret)

Let’s get real about the "teens" market. Big tech companies, record labels, and gaming studios spend billions of dollars to keep you on their platforms. They aren’t selling you art; they are selling you a version of reality that keeps you clicking.

• The Sports Mirage: Sports media often sells a version of "manhood" or "success" that is entirely based on stats, money, and ego. It tells you that you are only as valuable as your last performance.

• The Gaming Loop: Games are designed with dopamine loops that keep you playing "just one more round." While gaming itself isn't a sin, the aggression and the time-sink can lead to isolation and a hardened heart.

• The Music Influence: Music hits the emotional center of the brain. When a song glorifies substance abuse or shallow relationships, it’s not just a beat, it’s an invitation to believe that’s the "good life."

The Reality of Screen Addiction

If you feel anxious when your phone is in the other room, or if you find yourself scrolling TikTok for three hours when you meant to do ten minutes of homework, that’s not just a "bad habit." It’s an addiction. High school culture in the 901 (and everywhere else) is currently facing a mental health crisis because we are the most connected generation in history, yet the most lonely.

Being a "light on a hillside" means having the courage to be different. It means being the one person at the lunch table who isn't buried in their phone. It means being "smart" about how you are being used by your devices.

Get Smart: Technical Tools for Digital Boundaries

You don’t have to be a victim of the algorithm. You can take control of your devices using the tools already built into them.

Goal	Apple (iOS) Tool	Android Tool
Set Boundaries	Screen Time: Set daily limits for specific apps like Instagram or TikTok.	Digital Wellbeing: Set app timers to shut down distracting apps after a certain time.
Protect Sleep	Downtime: Schedule hours where only the Bible app and phone calls are allowed.	Bedtime Mode: Grayscale the screen and silence notifications automatically at night.
Kill Distractions	Focus Modes: Create a "Study" or "Prayer" mode that blocks all non-essential alerts.	Focus Mode: "Pause" distracting apps with one tap during school or church.
Accountability	Family Sharing: Connect with a parent or mentor to review app usage together.	Google Family Link: Allows parents to see activity and set healthy limits.

Definition: Discipleship

Discipleship is the intentional process of following Jesus, learning His teachings, and applying them to every area of life, including how we use our time, money, and technology.

How to Be a Light in a Dark Place

Your high school, whether it’s in Cordova, Bartlett, or an international school halfway across the world, can be a dark place. People are struggling with identity, depression, and a lack of purpose. When you choose to protect your heart by being selective about your media, you actually become more capable of helping others.

You can't pour out water if your cup is filled with mud. When you fill your mind with what is "true, noble, and pure," you have something real to offer the person sitting next to you in chemistry class who is having a rough day.

The Media Audit Checklist

Try this for 48 hours and see how your mood changes:

1. The Song Test: Listen to the lyrics. If they were spoken by a friend to you, would you keep that person as a friend?

2. The Scroll Test: After 15 minutes on a social feed, do you feel better or worse about your life? If it’s "worse," unfollow.

3. The Game Check: Are you playing for fun, or are you playing because you’re angry or bored?

4. The Device Rule: No phones in the bedroom after 10:00 PM. Get a real alarm clock.

Definition: Repentance

Repentance means a "change of mind" that leads to a change of direction. It’s not just feeling sorry; it’s deciding to turn away from something that is hurting your relationship with God and turning toward His grace.

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve realized that your media choices have been pulling you away from the person God created you to be, don’t feel condemned. Feel empowered. You have the choice to change what you "dwell" on starting right now.

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person. Our student ministries are a great place to find friends who are trying to live this out just like you: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our online church community where we talk about these real-life issues every week: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)

You are not alone. There is a whole community of people: both in Memphis and around the world: who are learning to master their technology so it doesn't master them. Let’s be a light together.