We all have moments we could use a slice of humble pie. I had one yesterday. Well, actually it was closer to the whole pie. Yesterday at Church I was the only acoustic guitar player on the worship team. I had the thought of how necessary I was to the team. Don’t get me wrong, it takes a great team to lead worship, and everyone is absolutely necessary. The sound guy is just as critical, actually I’d argue more critical, than the guitar, keyboard or singer. But apparently in my mind, I thought I was a bit too necessary because God taught me a lesson!
I stepped out briefly after worship to grab a water, and when I came back in the guest speaker was using a handheld mic instead of the hands free mic he was wearing. I thought it was unusual but didn’t think any more of it. We went up for the invitation song only to discover the digital board was unresponsive. We broke out the hymnals, dusted them off, and sang acapella. And as the congregation sang out, I stood up on stage listening and worshipping, and it was great!
As we wrapped up, the minister got up to dismiss everyone with prayer, and I made my way to the back to greet as people left. As I was walking out, I almost audibly heard God saying, “And you thought you were necessary?? All that is necessary for worship is MY Presence!”
Ouch. OUCH!!! Talk about a gut check! I felt like the whole humble pie had just been crammed down my throat because of my arrogance that I was necessary when it came to worship. Who am I, the created, to ever think I am even needed to worship God? In Luke, Jesus responds to criticism about those crying out and worshipping him, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 9:40 ESV)
This is ultimately the danger of any preacher, worship leader, or anyone on stage. There is always the tendency to take the focus away from God, sometimes intentionally but often unaware. It is so incredibly easy to think higher of oneself than we ought; especially when it comes to our role in the Church. And this is the one place it simply cannot happen. We do not gather because the preacher is dynamic and holds our short attention span. Or the worship team is so incredibly talented and creates an awesome and engaging worship atmosphere. Or there’s a super good looking guy up doing announcements. (Ok, maybe that’s a stretch.)
Every aspect about everything done during a worship service must be completely, 100% focused and centered on God. Period. The second we get boastful or think it’s all about us, we put ourselves above God and we become a false idol, a false god. When it happens we lead God’s children astray in false worship. I believe it is such a horrendous offense! In fact, I wonder if there is anything worse. I believe what Jesus says in Luke 17:2 would certainly apply, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea”.
I know this may sound a bit extreme, but in that moment I almost crumbed to my knees when I realized the attitude I had. I didn’t realize the extent the thought had penetrated my heart. I was not on stage because I was trying to honor and worship God, it was all about me.
Preachers, leaders, I think we’ve all been there. There is always this temptation. Can I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on this last week? And before you get up Sunday morning, take time to pray and check attitudes and motives. I know I will.