Jesus told His disciples more than once to be aware of what they listen to. As much as He was specifically warning them to be aware of the doctrines and teachings of the Pharisees, we can apply His word of caution to everything we listen to, including music! Music carries more power than people are aware of. In 2nd Kings, Elisha called for a musician and began to prophesy as soon as the music began to play. In 1st Samuel, Saul encountered a group of prophets who were prophesying while making music with their instruments. One could say the music created an “atmosphere” for the Spirit of God to move. Now it’s important to understand that the Spirit of God is not dependent on music in order to move. Music inspired by the Spirit of God can certainly assist and enhance people’s receptiveness to receive the ministry of the Spirit. When Saul was tormented by a distressing spirit, he called for David to play the harp. As soon as David began to play, the evil spirit departed from him. Once again this demonstrates the power of music. We must understand music inspired by the wrong spirit has power to influence our souls as much as music inspired by the Holy Spirit does. So, pay attention to what you listen to, whether it be teachings or music. Whatever we fill the gates of our ears with will influence our souls, and either shut off the flow of life and power from our re-born spirits, or open wide the flow from them. What we listen to will either water the seed of God’s Word in our minds or choke it out – making our lives unfruitful in the things of God. Mark 4:24-25 is a sober warning we must take seriously: “And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [by force],”. Take responsibility for what you allow to influence the path of your life – non are without consequence.