Who doesn’t like Bruno Mars? Who doesn’t like 24k Magic? In case you don’t, I am sorry, you are in the minority as the video already have 988,428,213 views on youtube as at the time this article was written, not to count the number of downloads and streams on all platforms.
24k Magic just like the title, is about the very best, magic at it’s finest and purest, “When you’re talking about gold, “24 karat” means it’s the purest kind of gold and it hasn’t been mixed with anything else. So essentially, Bruno is calling his album “pure magic. – Contributor on Genius.com”
24k Magic is unarguably one of the 2017’s finest funk music, you just have to love the grove, but putting the beauty of the music aside, what should be a Christian’s opinion of the song?
1. Life doesn’t consist of what a man has; Lay Your Treasure in Heaven
Genius.com describe this song as a braggadocious party anthem and that is exactly what it is. The music video opened with a fleet of luxury cars parked beside a jet, where we see Bruno Mars emerge showing off his 24k gold jewelry. And this was mostly the theme of the entire song.
The Bible warns against the pursuit of uncertain riches and the danger of the love of money.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21
We should live like knowing our goal is heaven. One simple way we can discern that out heart is in our eternal home is when God and the kingdom are our topmost priority and a bulk of our actions.
A simple test will be, are you living as though you will never die or will stay here on earth forever? Can people discern by your life and commitments that this world is not your home? Share on XA rich young ruler came to Jesus and ask what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to keep all the law and he replied that that is done and dusted then Jesus made this statement;
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. – Matt 19:21-22
He wanted the eternal life, be he wasn’t ready to let go of this life.
He was a total contrast to Zacheus whose encounter with Jesus produced this statement; “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” – Luke 17:8
Was Jesus saying, don’t have money? Are rich people sinners? Consider what Paul in the next few verses.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Wealth opens up the door to some temptations, you become empowered to live an immoral life, not to talk about the cases where you will have to compromise God’s word or people’s rights to gain wealth.
And Bruno Mars got this right in his lyrics;
Ooh shit, I’m a dangerous man with some money in my pocket (Keep up)
So many pretty girls around me and they waking up the rocket (Keep up)
2. Avoid Lust of the eyes, Flesh, and Pride of life.
According to Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary;
a. The lust of the flesh, of the body: wrong desires of the heart, the appetite of indulging all things that excite and inflame sensual pleasures.
b. The lust of the eyes: the eyes are delighted with riches and rich possessions; this is the lust of covetousness.
c. The pride of life: a vain man craves the grandeur and pomp of a vain-glorious life; this includes thirst after honour and applause.
Gotquestions.org defined The pride of life as anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting.
Isn’t that what 24K Magic by Bruno Mars talks about?
Let’s look at some lines of the lyrics of Bruno Mars’ 24K MAGIC.
I bet they know soon as we walk in (Showin’ up)
Wearing Cuban links (ya)
Designer minks (ya)
Inglewood’s finest shoes (Whoop, whoop)
Don’t look too hard
Might hurt ya’self
Known to give the color red the blues
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 John 2:15-16
3. Do Not Use God’s name in Vain. (on a lighter note)
Like I said this is more on a lighter note, but I think its still worth mentioning. We Christians shouldn’t be so used to seeing the world use God’s name in vain. I know “Jesus” is a popular word, but asides from not being a part of using it, we shouldn’t just act like it doesn’t matter when the world does.
Asides from using God’s name in vain, another thing we see a lot is using an expression, culture, or believers practice to depict their carnality. Here is how Bruno Mars used it in 24k Magic.
Can I preach? (Uh oh) Can I preach? (Uh oh)
I gotta show ’em how a pimp get it in
First, take your sip (sip), do your dip (dip)
Spend your money like money ain’t shit (Whoop, whoop)
We too fresh
Got to blame it on Jesus
Hashtag blessed
They ain’t ready for me
So, this is my opinion of 24k Magic by Bruno Mars, and I believe this should be every Christian’s opinion likewise. A beautiful song like I mentioned earlier. If we ignore the nature of the video (language and nudity), I still believe every Christian should be consucious of the message every music communicates, either vividly or subtly.
Read Next; God’s Plan by Drake – A Christian’s Opinion
My Opinion on Secular Music
