Our humanity and worship

Many of my friends are worship leaders – we talk, you know about life and struggles…day to day issues as worship leaders and more importantly as Christians. In talking with one of my friends this week he expressed how while leading last weekend at some point during the worship service his humanity took over by way of ‘performance – pride’. My friend happens to be one of the most humble people I know at the same time one of the best guitar players I know also. As we discussed life, it just happened to come up – he explained how right in the middle of this beautiful time of worship something else took over. Immediately God challenged him, gently reminding my friend, “Hey, remember what this is about and Who you are playing for”. That was it. He immediately repented and that was that – life went on, people got saved, God was worshiped, loved and adored.

I think many times we can make one of two mistakes: 1. when we are convicted of our sin, we can immediately recoil and dwell in a state of self-condemnation or 2. ignore the Holy Spirit’s voice (because it’s so gentle and kind) and keep doing what we are doing. Neither of these responses are right because neither actually addresses the real issue. When we focus on the sin, rather than repentance we get caught in a trap that is not easily disentangled. Repentance is a turning FROM, away FROM the sin, which neither of those responses include.

I am sharing this story (hope-my-friend-don’t-mind…oops, too late) simply because it’s a story of humility and humanity. We are sinners, always and we are saved by grace, always. Everyday, same story. We need to hear God’s voice, His challenge, His discipline and we can immediately make it right. As worshipers, musicians, worship-leaders (whatever you call yourself). We don’t need to take a week off and leave town and ‘get right’ with God. That’s a daily process of renewing the mind and seeking God. And it doesn’t need a personal retreat, it’s an immediate response to our gracious God.

While ministering on any level, always make sure you are listening to God and if you are getting something wrong, don’t wait until after to get it right – my friend just continued to play and lead, but his spirit was asking for forgiveness and making that subtle correction as he continued to worship. He didn’t need to stop everyone and everything, make a public confession of his sin – man if we had to stop life every time we messed up, wouldn’t that be interesting? (((ha ha)))

If there is a huge moral issue going on in your life, by all means, step down from ministry, get help, get healing, get restored. But in life we are tempted and the enemy is never ‘convenient’ in his timing. He’ll try to trip you up in the least-opportune times…so, be aware, be on guard. Live out your purpose and calling – allow God to fulfill his destiny in your life, but remember that He will lead you and speak to you all the way through it. Just listen to that still, small voice and you’ll get it – sooner or later.

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” [1 Peter 5:8]

Godspeed,
♥erin