Can music influence our behavior?
In reality, it’s not that music directly influences us; rather, depending on the person, it can make us connect certain songs with pain, memories, or past experiences.
For example, there are songs about love or heartbreak, and many of us can relate to them in one way or another. But just because we connect emotionally to a song doesn’t necessarily mean our behavior will change.
Music does have an effect, because the type of atmosphere we want to create often determines the type of music we choose. That’s why different genres exist. For example, quiet, soft music—often called “elevator music”—is played to help people feel calm and relaxed.
However, for some people, the influence goes deeper. Depending on the music they listen to, they don’t just relate to the emotion—they submit to it. Their mood, behavior, and even identity begin to change based on what they are feeling.
With time, some even begin to view music as something negative—or almost like a curse.
That’s why the Bible teaches us: “It’s not what goes into someone’s mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
(Matthew 15:11)
Jesus shows us that true contamination is not physical—but spiritual.
To “defile” means to morally or spiritually stain or harm a person’s life. It’s not what we eat, wear, or appear to be on the outside that truly affects us—but what is inside the heart. In other words, spiritual contamination does not depend on rituals, but on the condition of the heart.
And that condition is revealed by what we speak—because our speech expresses our thoughts, intentions, emotions, and attitudes. What we say reflects what we truly carry inside.
That’s why meditating on and listening to the Word (the Bible) is essential—to keep our hearts from filling with resentment. When we have a real relationship with God, nothing can truly affect us, because we carry Him inside. Our relationship with God replaces negativity with His positivity.
What truly affects our behavior is not what goes in—but what comes out.
For example:
- Lying
- Pride
- Envy
- Gossip
- Criticism
- Hate
- Bitterness
All of these things do have the power to affect and change our behavior, because they come from a heart that is disconnected from God.
That is why it is so important to maintain a relationship with Him—so that nothing negative can affect your behavior, and so you can always remain in peace.
“Happy are the people who live this way; truly happy are those whose God is the Lord.”
(Psalm 144:15)
Live with joy and stay in a relationship with the Lord, so that your heart does not become hardened or affected.
Every Thursday at 8 p.m., the Youth Power Group hosts its special connection called “Real Talk,” where young people can ask spiritual questions.
This week’s theme was: “Does music affect our behavior—and is it something negative or not?”
Youth from all over California joined and were blessed.
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