What Will the DJ Play?

Summer, the party season, is on the heels of spring, but this doesn’t mean celebrations aren’t happening now! Spring is the season for myriads of graduation parties. Plus, birthday parties have no season. But as for Christian festivities, anytime around, what will the DJ play?

A great party needs great music. With the exception of the meet-and-greet and the food, music is the element that sets the mood of any gathering—whether it’s a graduation party, a birthday throw-down, or a wedding. Even if no one is dancing, music is a welcomed accessory that’ll accentuate the activities of the event. It’s not that you can’t have a party without music, but its presence certainly makes a difference. So, with that being said. What should the DJ play?

Some people think Christians are only supposed to listen to Christian music. Others support Christians listening to “selected” secular music. My mission isn’t to define which is true, but to inspire critical thinking. Without a doubt, there is some music we know isn’t for us: songs with profanity, demoralizing values, and the likes. But there is some secular music that is inspiring, insightful and positive. What about jazz, instrumentals, songs for line dancing and pretty much any clean wholesome music? Can the DJ play those?

The Bible never disregards music. While it’s full of songs of praise and worship, it doesn’t specify we should only listen to worship songs. The book of Psalms holds many of David’s songs, those of praise, as well as songs of lamentation. The New Living Translation interprets 2 Samuel 1:17 in this way, “Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan.” Also, when King Saul was tormented by evil spirits, he sent for David to play soothing music for him. (1 Samuel 16:23)

I will agree that the best kind of music is the one that gives glory and praise to God. And, if you yearn for a deeper relationship with God, worship music along with prayer and Scripture reading will get you there. Still, is the best kind of music the only kind we have to listen to?

As the balloons and streamers go up, as the table is spread with delicious goodies, and as the guests arrive to your party, what will the DJ play?

What kind of music do you play at your parties?