Music's Powerful Influence

Let's face it music in and of itself is a powerful influence in todays culture as well as the Church. Its just another way for Satan to get to us. And these influences can fit into the categories of pure or impure, for good or bad. There is an influence in the words of the music we listen to today, and we must be sober and vigilent as to what we allow in our minds. There is a number of secular songs, literature and balads that convey many negative and degrading meanings that are filled with sexual talk, degrading women/men, and encourages you to go with your feelings no matter what. The christian music industry also must be extremely careful as to the messages and beats it creates> Thankfully though we have God's holy word to help us know and discern what should go between our ears. Romans 12:2 says" Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." It seems to imply that we must seek a transformation of mind and heart each day and rid ourselves of the temptation to "go with the flow" even with what we choose to listen or relax to. How can we have a stronger desire God and his word in this culture today? What can we do to be more proactive in understanding the influence of music so it does not pollute who we are in Christ? How can we speak in love to other believers about this subject?