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Worship
Wanting
God More Than Anything: More Than the Praise of
Men, Part 2
Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace Ministries
We looked last time at the temptation
we all face to be more concerned about what others
think than what God thinks, even as we worship Him.
I believe worship leaders and worship teams face
a unique challenge in this area. While seeking to
draw attention to God during worship, we can be
tempted to draw attention to ourselves. (A pop culture
that tends to worship trendy musicians only complicates
the issue.)
In reaction, some churches limit
the role of the worship team, perhaps by placing
the band off to the side or restricting the role
of the leader. I believe such efforts ultimately
fail to address the real issue: the sinful human
heart.
Leadership is always a temptation
to self-glorification, although most of us are smart
enough to avoid blatant expressions of arrogance.
"Wasn't I great this morning?" isn't something
we typically ask, even though we might be thinking
it!
However, here are some practical
questions that will help reveal what's going on
in our hearts, even when we're unaware of it:
Am I insecure about how others might perceive me,
sometimes leading to fear of stepping out into a
new area of worship leading? When I'm asked to do
something I'm not completely confident in, do I
anticipate God using my weakness, or do I brace
for being embarrassed when my pride is exposed?
Am I distracted by, threatened by, or ungrateful
for the gifts God has given others? Am I able to
sincerely encourage those who are more gifted than
I am?
Do I often compare myself to others? Whether I think
I'm better or worse, the root issue is the same.
Do I constantly belittle my own contribution or
talents? This can lead others to balance my assessment
through encouragement and flattery. Sometimes we
secretly hope that will be the result. Speaking
negatively of your own gifts makes it more difficult
for others to give you an honest assessment.
Am I bitter or depressed about not being chosen
or used more? This is more likely to happen when
singers and players are on a rotating schedule,
or when a special event is approaching. God gives
out gifts of varying degrees; we're foolish to think
otherwise.
In remembering a meeting where I was particularly
effective, do I tend to reflect on how God used
me, as opposed to all the other people who may have
been used?
Are any of these questions painful? A preacher I
know likes to say, "If it still hurts, it ain't
dead yet." What ain't dead yet is our desire
to receive more glory than God. Or maybe just to
share a little bit with him. Fortunately, God won't
let that happen. He loves us too much to let us
live in that deception.
When questions like these hurt,
we must be ruthless in dealing with the sin thus
revealed. One of the most effective ways I've found
is to confess proud thoughts to others on the worship
team. It may be frightening at first, but God has
promised to give grace to the humble (1Pe 5:7).
And what sweet fruit humility bears!
Next time, we'll examine the
desire for control.
Until then, may your love for
God grow in strength, depth, and truth.
For His Glory,
Bob
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