How long has it been since you took a good hard look at why you do what you do every Sunday morning? Have your priorities of spiritual preparation given way to technical preparation only and success is gauged by the applause and kudos from the crowd?
This Sunday I challenge you to imagine yourself standing before the throne of God with only your instrument and your voice. There is no congregation to supply the emotional build-up. The lights are not turned low to create an ambiance, the only light visible is the light from the face of God. There is no sound man controlling the EQ, musical dynamics are due to what you feel as you offer your song to please and honor Him. You have practiced your song a thousand times, but this one performance is the one that counts. It’s not bought with money or the pleasure of man. All of heaven is silent as you lift your instrument to begin.
Will what you offer the King of the Universe be something that has cost you nothing? Or would you give all you have; your heart, your soul and your talent, in a song that surpasses the finest symphony? Will He stand to bless you when you are done, or will He shake His head slowly knowing that you haven’t yet learned what true worship is? You haven’t made the connection that it really has nothing to do with you, but is for His glory. You can have every technical detail in synchronized perfection, but if you don’t pour your soul in every phrase, it was just music. It wasn’t worship.
Terri Pettyjohn is a regular contributor to ExperiencingWorship.com Her devotionals and Women in Worship articles are a favorite of many of our users as she seeks to touch the hearts of others through her writing. Terri currently lives in Farmington, NM where she is pursuing a career in free-lance writing. She is an attender of Pinon Hills Community Church and volunteers on a regular basis in the Worship Arts Ministry. When she is not busy there she is investing in the lives of her grandchildren and others.