Take a little break these days in December and re-center yourself with these devotions from the Sunday| Mag contributors.
Don?t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3-4)
I find it funny that this verse, which was written to wives, is so applicable to 20-somethings worship leaders. Fancy hairstyles? Manbuns. Expensive jewelry? Apple Watches. Beautiful clothes? Those long shirt-dresses that are popular nowadays.
And even if you aren?t one of those wanna-be-hipster worship leaders, I believe this verse holds a powerful truth for you. In its spirit, this verse is talking about where we derive our value. Do you get it from your awesome guitar? From your ability to hit the same notes Kari Jobe?does? From your awesome stage presence?
Those are all outward indicators of value. But it?s possible to have all of those and lack the more important things that are valuable to God?a gentle and quiet spirit.
I?m not saying you need to nix the style, stage presence, or awesome vocal prowess. But that shouldn?t be your focus as a worship leader. It should be, instead, on the modesty of your internal heart attitude. That?s what God finds precious, and that?s what will make you into a great worship leader.[quote]Worship is about pleasing the heart of God by declaring his worth.[/quote]
Remember: Worship is about pleasing the heart of God by declaring his worth. What better way to do that than to focus on the things that God finds valuable? Yes, become a great worship leader. Yes, work to be relevant to the culture of your congregation in your song selection and style. There?s nothing wrong with any of those things. But they are secondary or even tertiary. The more important things are to please God with your attitude.
Let?s all adopt that this hectic season?a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
