Music and The Gospel

I have a half an hour commute to and from work every day.  When I mention this in conversation, the response is usually "Built in God time, right?".  Of course, my response is always to the affirmative, but that is not always the case. Much of my weekly commute time is spent listening to music. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on my attitude.

How can I listen to music in a way that honors the Gospel?

• Don't let it keep me from silence. Music can be like opium, dulling the senses, drowning out our thoughts, shutting us off from the world.  The Bible says, "Be still and know that I am God."  Sometime music keeps me from silence that I need in order to think and pray.
• Don't let it be a negative influence. Music is a very powerful influence. It can help to rember lyrics and engage those lyrics emotionally. If I'm listening to music that is full of negative lyrics, Its going to help me remember negative lyrics and to engage those lyrics emotionally (road rage, anyone?).
• See it for what it is. Music is God's idea. He made it for us to enjoy, but in a way that ultimately helps us get our joy from Him. God has created musicians and given their abilities. When I listen, I should be thankful for the gift of music and praise the God that created art, that we might find our joy in Him.

 ""All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything."  -1 Cor. 6:12