Question:
I just became a Praise Team member... At first I was pretty excited... But I'm not quite sure if I'm doing if for me, or for God... Someone give me some advice so that it is for God...
Answer:
Hey, I'm gonna move this to the Worship Leading forum. You'll get much better replies there.
Answer:
Originally Posted by aznchristian28 I just became a Praise Team member... At first I was pretty excited... But I'm not quite sure if I'm doing if for me, or for God... Someone give me some advice so that it is for God...
I think you're not the only one who ever had these thoughts. As far as it goes, every single person I've known so far had at least some little struggle to keep all the focus on God, including me.
The reason for this struggle is simply the appeal found in performing for our ego. I don't think many people struggle doing dishes for themselves rather than for someone, or maybe carrying boxes. But when it comes to musical performing, people get all excited.
In this world, music is used to glorify the performer, or author of the song. When someone is on stage, their main goal is to get seen, and to give a shining performance so people will love them more. In contrast to this, when you are on stage as a member of a worship team, your goal is to help people experience God's presence and get God seen and felt, as well as experience all that yourself.
I'd like to encourage you to think about it, and just remember that you're on the stage to be a reflection, rather than making yourself shine. You don't want people to think "Oh, I love this guy", but rather "I love God". That's the main difference between worship and secular performance. You're leading people in worship, but it is less of a luxury and pleasure, and more of a responsobility. If you still find it hard to let yourself go out of the picture, you may want to speak to a pastor, worship leader or someone you trust and who can support you with this.
And of course, pray for it =)
Hope I was helpful at least a little.
Answer:
I would first ask why you question whether you're doing this for the Lord or doing this for yourself.
Next I would say that I believe every servant of the Lord questions their motives. I think it's healthy to do so and in doing so to be sure that we are really serving from a heart that wants to serve God and serve others and not for our own self interestes.
If you're in serious doubt, lay it aside for a bit and pray for God to bring wisdom and clarity. Listen for a response and search His word for answers.
For me, there's an old hymn titled "To God be the Glory" and the title of that song alone explains what our attitude should be when serving in any position in His Kingdom. It's for Him and not for us. No one else has or will ever do what He has done nor will be who He is. So it is He that rightfully receives all of the glory even for what we do in serving Him, no matter how much praise people may want to give us ("Man, you played some great licks up there!") or what we might tell ourselves ("I nailed that solo!").
It should be so customary that it's natural for us to just give God the praise and know that He is well pleased with us as His children and as good and faithful servants.
Keep giving Him the glory.
For encouragement I offer this scripture, though there are so many:
1 Chronicles 16:23-25
Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
Answer:
So now you're questioning if you are really a Christian musician lifting his/her gift back up to God through music ministry, in the hopes of opening the hearts of other, yourself included, to recieve the word of the Lord.......
.....or are you just posing for uplifting your own ego ?
I'd really love to know what's causing these self doubts in you. I had a recent case where a Pastor accused me of not having a heart of worship, but just wanting to perform.
The fact that it's causing an emotional battle for you, is a pretty good sign that you're doing this for God.
But again, let me know specifically what's causing these doubts in you, and I'll try and help you out the best I can.
Chris
Answer:
Originally Posted by DiverDown808 So now you're questioning if you are really a Christian musician lifting his/her gift back up to God through music ministry, in the hopes of opening the hearts of other, yourself included, to recieve the word of the Lord.......
.....or are you just posing for uplifting your own ego ?
I'd really love to know what's causing these self doubts in you. I had a recent case where a Pastor accused me of not having a heart of worship, but just wanting to perform.
The fact that it's causing an emotional battle for you, is a pretty good sign that you're doing this for God.
But again, let me know specifically what's causing these doubts in you, and I'll try and help you out the best I can.
Chris I think these are wise words.
Answer:
i am so sry that i couldnt reply to ur posts earlier. ive been quite busy with school lately... so i didn't get to do ne foruming for a while... im sorry. these replies helped me alot though... it really made me think...i really thank you guyz from my heart. god bless you all!!!