Bible verses

What’s So Bad About Wanting To Wear Clothes That Are In Style?

Answer: It’s all right to wear nice clothes that are in style. We should take care of ourselves and try to look our best.

But we shouldn’t think that having the latest clothes will make us happy and help us make friends.

And we should remember that wearing nice clothes doesn’t make a person nice.

It’s what’s on the inside of the person that really counts. People who design and make new clothes are trying to make money.

So they broadcast very clever ads on TV and radio to make people want to buy their clothes.

They change the styles every season and say that everyone should wear the latest style. Often the most stylish clothes are also the most expensive. Work with your parents to buy what you can afford.

God wants us to be content with what we have, so don’t think that you have nothing to wear because your clothes are not the very latest style.

And God wants us to put him in first place in our lives, so don’t make clothes and other things more important than he is.

Key verses: Don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things.

And they are very worried about them, too. But your heavenly Father already knows that you need them.

Give him first place in your life. Live as he wants you to. Then he will give all these things to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Related verses: Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5

Related question: Is it vain to want to have your hair perfect or wear “in style” clothes?

If I’m Supposed Love Everybody, Why Am I Supposed To Stay Away From Certain Kids?

Answer: God wants us to be loving and kind to everyone, but that doesn’t mean we have to be a dose friend to everyone.

Some people can be bad influences on us. If we spend too much time with them, we can find ourselves doing what we shouldn’t do and getting into trouble.

It is good to want to be a good influence on others. So you can try to be friendly to kids whom others think are bad.

But if they begin to influence you, you will need to back off. Think about where you play with them and what you do.

Try bringing them to your house to play or inviting them to church.

Your closest friends should be those who help you become a better person-those who have the same attitudes about serving God as you have.

Try to be close to kids who love God and want to serve him.

Talk with your parents about this problem. And if they tell you to stay away from certain kids, do what they say.

Picking good friends is one way parents can really help you.

Key verse: Be with wise people and become wise. Be with evil people and become evil. (proverbs 13:20)

Related verses: Proverbs 27:17; John 17:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11

Related questions: If Christians should love others, why is it wrong to have bad friends? Why is it wrong to have certain friends if God wants us to love everybody?

Note to parents: Friends can have a powerful influence on kids. It’s important for you to monitor your child’s friendships and affirm positive relationships that your child has formed.

Is It Wrong To Hate People If They’re Nerds?

Answer: Yes. Some people are given names like nerd or jerk for no good reason. Instead of believing the bad things we hear about others, we should think the best of them and try to get to know them.

Even when we meet people who really are “jerks”-who say bad things and are mean to us – we should not hate them or be mean back to them.

God wants us to be loving and kind to others. So we shouldn’t hurt others or make fun of them.

Key verses: There is a saying, “Love your friends and hate your enemies.” But I [Jesus] say love your enemies, too! Pray for those who treat you badly! (Matthew 5:43-44)

Related verses: Matthew 5:21-22; Luke 6:27-35; Romans 12:17-21

Related questions: Is it OK to make fun of someone from a different country? Why does someone feel hurt when I laugh at them?

Note to parents: This touches on the issue of prejudice. You need to teach your child to respect all people regardless of race, nationality, religion, or economic class.

God created diversity among people; there is no need for us to judge some good and some bad.

Set the example: Avoid saying negative or stereotypical things about groups or classes of people.

Is It Ok To Stay Up Late On School Nights If Your Friends do?

Answer: What your friends do does not determine what is wrong and right. Every family has its own rules.

It is important for you to obey your parents. So if your parents tell you to go to bed at a certain time, do it, no matter what your friends do.

God has given the responsibility of raising you to your parents, not to your friends.

Your parents have a good reason for not wanting you to stay up late on a school night: You will be sleepy the next day, so you won’t do your best in school.

Mom and Dad know that, so they insist that you get your rest. They know how important it is for you to do well in school.

Sometimes your parents may let you stay up late, like at a sleep-over at a friend’s house on a weekend.

So it wouldn’t be wrong in that situation. But still it may not be the smartest thing to do, especially if you try to stay up all night.

It’s not good for you. Use your head and get the sleep you need.

Key verse: Don’t copy the world. Be a different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn how his ways will really satisfy you. (Romans 12:2)

Related verses: Exodus 20:12; Colossians 3:20

Related questions: Is it OK to follow what your friends do? How do you deal with peer pressure and still follow the Bible?

Note To Parents: When your children start using the excuse, “But all my friends get to do that,” remind them of the reason and the reward for doing the right thing.

Encourage your children to set a good example, not copy whatever others do.

Can You Have More Than One Best Friend?

Answer: God wants us to be loving and kind to all people. If you are doing that, you probably will know many kids who like you and want to be your friend.

Friends are great, and it’s fun to have a lot of them. You can have many good friends, and you don’t have to put them in order of who’s best.

You may have one or two friends who are closer than all the others. But be careful about saying that one person is your very best friend.

That may make the others feel bad. And don’t say that one person is your “best friend” just to make another friend angry or jealous or because you want to exclude the other person.

You can have a favorite food, but you don’t have to have a best friend. You can be the best kind of friend to many people.

Key verse: Always try to be kind to others. Especially be kind to other Christians. (Galatians 6:10)

Related verse: Proverbs 17:17

Related question: What if somebody wants to be my best friend but I don’t want to be theirs?

Note to parents: Encourage your children to be loyal friends, respectful of others’ feelings and preferences.

Caution them about describing any of their friends as “best friends” if they have other friends who may feel hurt by not having that title.

Encourage them to concentrate on being a best friend rather than on getting a best friend. Everything the Bible says about loving others applies to friendship.

How Can I Love My Enemies?

Answer: By doing kind things for them, wishing them well, and praying for them. Loving your enemies also means forgiving them and not condemning them.

It means that rather than fighting back or trying to hurt them, you treat them like a friend.

If you think that sounds hard to do, you’re right! Enemies don’t like us and are out to hurt us.

They may push us, hit us, call us names, and try to get us into trouble. We don’t have to like what they do to us.

But with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, we can love them. After all, that’s what God did for us.

God can do anything – even change people. Who knows- today’s enemies may turn out to be tomorrow’s friends.

Key verses: Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t worry about the fact that they won’t pay you back.

Then your reward from Heaven will be very great. And you will truly be acting like sons of God.

For he is kind to the unthankful and those who are wicked. Try to show as much mercy as your Father does.

Never criticize or condemn. If you do, it will all come back on you. Go easy on others. Then they will do the same for you. (Luke 6:35-37)

Related verses: Romans 12:17-21

Related question: What should I do about the bullies at school?

Note to parents: Every conflict with others is an opportunity for us to learn how to love.

Encourage your child to turn conflicts into opportunities to be friendly and loving toward others.

Is It Ok To Hit My Brother Back If He Hit Me First?

Answer: No, that would be taking revenge. In the Bible, God says that vengeance, or revenge, belongs to him.

And he has delegated the authority to settle fights to the human authorities-police, teachers, and (for brothers and sisters who fight) parents. It’s not right to hit back.

God also wants us to love, not hate. If we say we love him but hate people, then we don’t really love him.

That’s because if we can’t love someone in our own family, whom we can see, we can’t possibly love God, whom we cannot see.

That’s why Jesus told us to be kind and to respond with love, even when someone hits us.

So if your brother (or sister) hits you, respond by being nice. If he or she continues to be mean, tell your parents and let them take care of it.

God wants you to learn how to get along with people. Sometimes that can be very difficult at home.

But if you can learn to love and to be kind to your family members, you probably will be able to get along with almost anyone else.

Key verses: Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in a way that everyone can see you are honest. (Romans 12:17)

Related verses: Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:14; 13:1-7; 1 John 2:9-11; 3:11-15

Note to parents: One of your challenges as a parent involves teaching kids to talk out their differences rather than fight.

You can use a question like this one to emphasize the importance of being a peacemaker.

Don’t allow your kids to fight, or that is how they will learn to solve problems.

Instead, encourage them to talk through their differences, and they will gain valuable skills in working through all sorts of conflicts.

Is It Ok To Bug My Sister?

Answer: God wants us to be kind and considerate; respectful, not mean. Sometimes we may be having fun teasing or tickling each other, but we should stop if the person asks us to.

We should not be cruel.

Sometimes we may bug other people by accident. In other words, we may do something that bothers people or makes them angry with us, and we don’t even know it.

As soon as we find out, we should stop doing it. That would be kind and considerate.

It’s easy for brothers and sisters to get on each other’s nerves. That’s because they spend so much time together and because what one person does affects other people in a family.

We need to work hard to make our families places of love and kindness.

Key verse: Let’s not look for honors or try to be popular.

These things make people jealous and cause hard feelings. (Galatians 5:26)

Related verses: Genesis 21:9-11; Romans 12:9-10i Galatians 6:10; 1 John 2:9-11

Related questions: Is fighting with your brother wrong? Why is it wrong to fight?

Note to parents: When your children are bothering one another, remember to teach both children the correct response.

The person doing the bothering should stop when asked and apologize. But the person being bothered should also try to be more patient.

Do I Really Have To Eat My Vegetables, Or Are My Parents Just Making Sure I Clean My Plate?

Answer: God has said that children must obey their parents. So even if you don’t like the taste of some food, you should eat it if your parents tell you to.

Parents serve vegetables and tell children to eat them because vegetables help build strong bodies.

The Bible tells us that we should take care of our bodies because that’s where God lives and because God wants to use us.

We should do what we can to stay healthy. That means eating good food, including vegetables.

Key verse: Don’t you know that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit lives within you! Your own body does not belong to you. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Related verses: Ephesians 6:1-3

Related question: Is it OK to throw out the lunch your mom made and go to the store?

Note to parents: Make good and healthy rules for eating and be very consistent in enforcing them.

This brings peace and minimizes arguing because your child knows where the boundaries are.

Be careful not to make too big a deal about food rules, though; eating should be a pleasant experience.

Why Is It Wrong To Complain When My Mom Asks Me To Do Something?

Answer: Remember, the Bible tells us to honor our parents. This means being polite, having a good attitude, and showing them respect, even when we disagree with them.

If you don’t agree with your parents, you can tell them how you feel without complaining or hurting them with words. Also, think about how much they do for you.

That will help you have a thankful attitude rather than a complaining one. People who complain a lot don’t have many friends, are usually unhappy, and often have miserable lives.

And the more they complain, the worse it gets! You can choose to be content and to make the best of every situation.

Key verse: Don’t complain or argue in anything you do. (Philippians 2:14)

Related verses: Matthew 21:28-31; lames 5:9; 1 Peter 4:9

Related question: Is it all right to complain when my mom asks me to do something?

Note to parents: Explain to your child: “You don’t have to like it; you just have to do it.”

If your child calmly and respectfully explains his or her objections, affirm the good attitude and consider the objections carefully.

If My Parents Are Arguing, Is It Ok To Tell Them To Stop?

Answer: Sometimes parents disagree, and they need to talk it out. Just because a husband and wife argue doesn’t mean they are having serious problems.

Even people who love each other deeply will disagree from time to time. Disagreeing isn’t wrong, and arguing doesn’t mean the people hate each other.

Also, it is not your job as a child to see that your parents don’t argue. You can tell them how you feel, but don’t try to tell them what to do.

Pray for your parents if they are arguing. Ask God to help them get along and to give them wisdom for their conversation.

However, if the arguing leads to yelling, screaming, swearing, or hitting, you may have to tell another adult who can help your mom and dad. Your pastor would be a good choice.

Key verse: Entering an argument that isn’t any of your business is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears. (Proverbs 26:17)

Related verse: Philippians 4:2

Related questions: If it’s wrong to argue, how come my parents do? Do adults always know more than kids?

Note to parents: Hearing parents argue can be very hard for a child. You and your spouse will disagree and argue from time to time.

But be careful about how you argue, especially in front of your children. Fight fairly; that is, don’t swear, call the other person names, or use privileged information against him or her.

Instead, calm down, lower your voice, acknowledge the other person’s position, state your position, and propose a solution.

Demonstrate to your children that differences can be resolved peacefully and lovingly.

Is It Ok To Tell Secrets To Parents?

Answer: Yes. It is wonderful to have someone you can trust. Mothers and fathers who love their children want to help them every way they can.

There is no better person with whom you can share a secret. So it’s OK to tell your own secrets to your parents.

Just be sure to tell them that it’s a secret and that you don’t want them to tell anybody- then they’ll know not to tell.

Some children have secrets that they keep from their parents. That is not God’s way.

How can your parents help you and teach you and take care of you if you don’t trust them and talk to them?

If someone says you can’t tell your parents something, tell them not to tell you, either.

Key verse: Don’t tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world. (Proverbs 20:19)

Related verses: Proverbs 11:13; 25:9-10

Related question: Are there some things I shouldn’t tell my parents?

Note to parents: Children need someone with whom they can share their fears, dreams, and secrets.

Your children should always feel confident that they can tell you everything that is on their mind.

Guard that information carefully and lovingly. Don’t use the information against them, don’t belittle what they have shared, and don’t betray their trust.

Use this opportunity to affirm your children for being honest and for trusting you.

Is Kissing Wrong?

Answer: Kissing isn’t wrong. Many family members kiss each other. In some countries, friends kiss each other on the cheek when they say hello.

And husbands and wives also often kiss each other. Kissing is one way that people can show love and affection to the people who are important to them.

Key Verses: {Jesus] turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look! See this woman kneeling here! When I came to your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet.

But she has washed them with her tears. And she wiped them off with her hair. You did not give me the customary kiss of greeting.

But she has kissed my feet from the time I first came in.  2 (Luke 7:44-45)

Related question: Is it wrong to go out with boys before I’m sixteen?

Note to parents: Many children try to copy what they see on TV, where kissing happens often.

They may be confused and think that kissing is the cool way to express love (or “like”) to someone.

That’s why a boy will sneak up on a girl, kiss her on the cheek, and run away.

When young children ask about kissing, take time to explain its proper place and purpose.

Whydoihave To Obey My Parents?

Answer: The most important reason for children to obey their parents is that God said to.

God knows that children need protection and guidance, and parents are the best ones to provide that.

Parents take care of their children, give them food and other things they need, and teach them how to know right from wrong.

Living God’s way means listening to him and doing what he says, and that includes obeying Mom and Dad.

Obeying your parents is the best way for you to learn and grow now and to have a better life in the future.

Key verses: Children, obey your parents. This is the right thing to do. Honor your father and mother.

This is the first of God’s Ten Commandments that ends with a promise.

The promise is that you will have a long life, full of blessing. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Related Verses: Exodus 20:12; Romans 13:1-7; Colossians 3:20

Related questions: Is it wrong for me to argue with my parents? Is it all right to go across the street to your friend’s house when your parents want you to do your homework?

Note to parents: Don’t use authority to justify different standards for yourself unless you have a very good reason beyond just the fact that “you’re in charge.”

On the other hand, don’t be surprised if your child resists your rules, because kids will protest their parents’ dedsions no matter how loving and wise they are.

To minimize the hassles, always have a good reason for the rules you enforce.

Is It Wrong To Put My Fingers In My Ears So I Can’t Hear My Parents?

Answer: Some children think that if they can’t hear their parents, they don’t have to do what their parents tell them.

But God tells us to honor our parents, not just obey them. That means treating them with respect.

When we respect our parents, we look at them when they talk to us, and we listen carefully to what they say – we don’t try to plug our ears or ignore them.

It also means having a good attitude and not talking back. Listening to your parents doesn’t just make them feel good-it’s for your good. God loves you and wants the best for you.

Key Verse: Honor your father and mother. Do this that you may have a long, good life in the land the Lord your God will give you. (Exodus 20:12)

Related Verses: Deuteronomy 5:16; Luke 6:31

Related questions: Is it wrong to give my parents dirty looks when they’re yelling at me? Is it wrong to ignore my parents when they talk if I don’t want to listen?

Note to parents: Don’t fall into the trap of yelling to get a child’s attention. Often obedience comes more easily if you explain why they are to obey, as well as what you want them to do.

If You Say Jesus When You’re Mad, Isn’t That Like Praying?

Answer: No. It is one thing to talk to God. It is another to say his name as a swear word because you got hurt or angry.

Sometimes the same word can have different meanings. When and how we say a word can help tell what we mean by it.

For example, a person might smile and say, “That’s great!” with a happy tone of voice.

But another person could frown and mutter angrily, “That’s great!” The same words would have very different meanings.

It’s the same with God’s name. When people use God, Jesus, or Christ in a sentence, when and how they say those words can tell us what they mean.

We pray and worship using God’s name. In Sunday school classes we talk a lot about Jesus. And we talk about Christ with our friends.

Those are good ways to use God’s name. But some people say his name in anger, in frustration, or just in passing.

That’s called swearing or using God’s name “in vain.” That’s not OK. God says it’s wrong. We love God and want to please him.

We love Jesus and thank him for dying on the cross for us. So we should only say God, Jesus, or Christ when we are being serious about God, praising him, or praying to him.

We shouldn’t even say “My God!” or “Oh, Lord!” when we’re surprised. Treat God with respect. Honor his name. This will show others that you love and respect God, and that will affect them.

Key verse: You shall not use the name of the Lord your God irreverently. Nor shall you use it to swear. You will not escape punishment if you do. (Exodus 20:7)

Related questions: Why is saying “Oh, my God!” wrong? Why do people say God’s name in vain? Is it wrong to swear at other people? Why is it wrong to swear?

Why Do We Have Marriage?

Answer: God invented marriage because everyone needs someone to be close to and to love and be loved by.

He also created marriage as the place for bringing children into the world; Marriage is good.

In fact, God brought the first man and woman together in the Garden of Eden before any sin came into the world.

God knows what is best for us. He knows that babies and children need a mother and a father to protect them and to care for them.

Husbands and wives should stay together, work out their problems, and be good parents. That’s God’s plan.

Key verse: A man should leave his father and mother. And he should be forever united to his wife. (Matthew 19:5)

Related verses: Genesis 2:4-25; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2; Ephesians 5:31-33

Related question: Why do I have to be married to have a baby?

Note to parents: Emphasize God’s role in making families work. God doesn’t abandon families that have suffered divorce or other breakdowns.

He provided us with marriage; God’s plan for a husband and wife is that they will be married for life. In this sinful world, however, divorces do happen.

Through his grace, God can make any family the place of protection and provision that kids need.

Keep trusting God and depending on him to help you make the most of your situation.

On Tv, Why Do People Who Aren’t Married Live Together?

Answer: Many of the people who make TV shows don’t know God, and they don’t care about what God wants.

They don’t understand that his way is the way that works best. Some television programs try to show that marriage isn’t important.

But God created marriage, and he says that it is important and that it’s the right way for a man and a woman to live together.

Key verse: Yes, they knew about him. But they wouldn’t admit it or worship him. They wouldn’t even thank him for all his care for them.

They thought up silly ideas about what God was like and what he wanted them to do. So their foolish minds became dark and confused. (Romans 1:21)

Related verses: Exodus 20:14, 17; Proverbs 6:25; 7:4- 27; Jeremiah 29:6; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:3-9; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:18-20; 7:8-14; Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 13:4

Related questions: When can people do sex? Why is it wrong to have sex before marriage?

Note to parents: Monitor your family’s TV viewing. If you see an inappropriate scene in a program or an advertisement, talk about it with your child.

Discuss why it’s wrong and what the Bible says about sex.

Is It All Right To Laugh At Dirty Jokes?

Answer: Some jokes are funny but not good. We should avoid laughing at dirty jokes.

A “dirty” joke uses foul words or talks about sex in a wrong way, just to get a laugh.

It is called a dirty joke, even by people who don’t know God, because it’s bad.

Jokes that make fun of other people, their race, skin color, religion, and so forth are also bad.

Why? Because God is holy and pure and he wants us to be pure. Being like him is the key to living the way he meant us to live.

Telling or listening to dirty jokes fills our mind with wrong thoughts and may cause others to feel bad.

If you are near someone who is telling jokes that are bad, go away from that person.

You don’t want to listen to the jokes, and you don’t want to encourage the person who is telling them.

There are plenty of good, clean jokes. Listen to those, tell those, and have fun!

Key verse: Dirty stories, foul talk, and coarse jokes are not for you. Instead, remind each other of God’s goodness and be thankful. (Ephesians 5:4)

Related verses: Exodus 23:2; Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 3:32;4:14-15

Related questions: Is it OK to laugh at funny jokes about bad things? Is it wrong to tell bad jokes?

Note to parents: It is amazing what we will compromise because something makes us laugh.

Be careful not to repeat or laugh at dirty jokes. Humor is not trivial. And to a child, laughter represents approval.

Is It Wrong To Leave Your Homework Till The Last Minute So That You Can Watch Tv?

Answer: School is important because that’s where we learn important information that can help us live in this world.

Homework is an important part of school. Teachers give homework to help students learn what is being taught in class.

Remember, God wants us to do our best at everything we do – that includes school. TV is all right (if we watch good programs), but school is more important.

To get the most out of school, do your homework first, and do the best you can at it.

Family jobs and responsibilities should come before play and entertainment.

Then, if you have time, you can take time for playing, watching TV, and other activities.

You will often enjoy your relaxation, entertainment, and playtime more after you have completed your responsibilities!

Key verses: Take a lesson from the ants, you lazy fellow. Learn from their ways and be wise! They have no king to make them work.

But they work hard all summer. They gather food for the winter. (proverbs 6:6-8)

Related verses: Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15,22.

Note to parents: You can use this kind of question as an opportunity to talk about responsibility and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Everyone has “jobs” to do, and some of them just aren’t fun! But we can choose our attitude in every situation, and we can choose to take pleasure in the responsibilities God has given us.

Encourage your child not to see work as a drag, but to do it as a service to God and to take pleasure in it.

Why Don’t You Let Us Watch Shows?

Answer:  Many TV programs show people saying and doing things that go against God and what he says.

Many of the people who make television shows aren’t Christians. They don’t know God and will often make programs that are not good for us to watch.

Some shows even encourage us to do wrong things. We should always try to do what is right. So it is good to turn off the set or change the channel when a bad show comes on.

We should guard our hearts because what we put into our hearts will show up in our lives (Proverbs 4:23).

Key verse: And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say one more thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right.

Think about things that are pure and lovely. Dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. (Philippians 4:8)

Related verses: Proverbs 4:23; 23:7; Ephesians 5:11; Philippians 2:14-16; James 4:4

Related questions: Why does what you watch on TV matter if you’re a Christian? Why do we have to be careful about what we watch on TV?

Is it right or wrong to watch worldly movies? Is it bad to watch TV?

Note to parents: This is the kind of question that touches on the fundamental issue of what we are here for.

We are here to learn to love, to learn to trust, to live with God beside us, and to show God’s love to others-not to seek immediate personal pleasure.

Help your children to see the bigger picture to help them make good choices in individual areas of life.

What If One Parent Says You Can Watch A Certain Movie, And Then The Other One Says You Can’t?

Answer: If one parent tells you no, then accept that as your answer and don’t go looking for per-mission from your other parent.

Some kids go back and forth between parents until one gives in and says OK. That’s wrong because it dishonors what the first parent said.

If Mom or Dad says you can’t do something (like watch a certain movie), you may nicely ask why. That will help you understand the reason for the no.

But don’t argue, complain, or whine about it. Instead, say thank you and obey. God wants us to honor and obey our parents. He told us that in his Word.

Why does God want children to obey their parents? Because that’s how God keeps kids safe and gives them what they need to grow up.

Obeying and honoring your parents will help you learn the things you need to live a happy and productive life.

Key verses: Young person, obey your father and your mother. Take to heart all of their advice. Keep in mind all that they tell you. (Proverbs 6:20-21)

Related verses: Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3

Note to parents: It’s very important for parents to support each other when kids come to one parent with a request designed to undo what the other said.

Make it a policy to enforce the first answer as the final answer unless you both agree to change your mind.

Is It Wrong To Watch Music Videos?

Answer: It’s not wrong to watch television, listen to the wrong radio, watch videos, or listen to music. But God wants us to be wise about what we put into our minds.

A lot of the stuff on TV, in movies, in videos, and on talk radio is not good. In fact, often the people on them use bad language, do bad things, and make it look as if sinning is the right thing to do.

That’s a lie. We know that God wants us to do what is right, not wrong. He doesn’t want us to disobey him. So we should be very careful about what we watch and listen to.

Many music videos are not good. Seeing and hearing bad videos is like eating garbage. It’s bad for us, won’t help us grow, and will make us sick.

Instead, we should fill our minds with pictures, words, and thoughts that honor God.

Key verse: And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say one more thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right.

Think about things that are pure and lovely. Dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. (Philippians 4.8)

Related verse: Ephesians 5:11

Related questions: Why are some music videos so stupid? Why is it wrong to watch music videos?

Note to parents: Beware of making a sweeping statement against music videos. Some Christian musicians make music videos.

Beware of making sweeping statements against anything in youth culture. As you and your children confront new challenges, learn to compare them to God’s standards.

Why Do Some People Make Music With Bad Words?

Answer: Some music writers and performers have no hope and don’t love God, so they write and sing angry and hateful songs.

Other music has bad words because the writers and singers want to shock the listeners, to get their attention.

Because these musicians don’t love God, they think it’s all right to use shocking language.

Much of the time, however, music has bad words because the writers, singers, producers, and stores want to make money.

Unfortunately, that kind of music sells, so they keep making the bad songs. Don’t buy music that has swearing or a false message about life.

If a bad song comes on the radio, change the station. Don’t fill your mind with garbage.

Key verses: People who long to be rich do all kinds of wrong things for money. They do things that hurt them and make them evil-minded.

Finally, these things send them to hell itself. The love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin.

Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it. As a result they have pierced themselves with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9- 10)

Related verses: Proverbs 4:24; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8

Related questions: Why do people make music about the highway to hell? Why do people swear?

Note To Parents: Music itself isn’t bad. It’s a good thing that some people corrupt. Help your children find music they can enjoy listening to that doesn’t violate God’s standards.

Is It Ok To Listen To Bad Music Groups If You Don’t Listen To The Words?

Answer: Trying to listen to bad songs without hearing the words would be like trying to watch a video with your eyes closed.

It can’t be done. Even if you aren’t concentrating on the words, you still hear them and they affect your thoughts.

Also, imagine what others would think of you if they saw and heard you listening to music that they know is bad.

They probably would wonder what kind of Christian you were. Also, buying and listening to music supports the musicians who perform it, and you don’t want to support the bad groups.

But not all music is bad! Many songs are fun to listen to, and they have good words. Fill your mind with what is good-do everything to the glory of God.

Trust that the things God approves are the best for you. He loves you!

Key verse: You must do everything for God’s glory, even your eating and drinking. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Related verses: Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8

 Related questions: Is it wrong to listen to secular music? Is it wrong to listen to secular music if you read the lyrics and they aren’t that bad?

Note to parents: Music matters a great deal to most older kids and to their relationships.

It’s OK to limit what your children can listen to, but it will be more effective to steer kids instead of blocking them.

In other words, when you say that they can’t listen to a certain group, suggest alternatives.

Don’t give them the impression that the only good music is the stuff that you listen to (or listened to when you were their age).