Working Musician?

[Some] served as singers at God’s Temple. Their daily responsibilities were carried out according to the terms of a royal command.

Nehemiah 11:22-23

SOMETIMES, church artists have gotten by on their giftedness and haven’t been as quick to meet the needs of others as they could have been. In Nehemiah’s day, the king established a policy that the musicians would have daily tasks in God’s house in addition to leading worship. Singer by night, janitor by day!

Scripture also reminds us of the example of Bezalel (Exodus 35), a gifted artist who was filled with the Holy Spirit in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. He had teaching gifts. Ultimately, the gift of music is simply a means to another end—it gives one the opportunity to serve.

If you are a church musician, make sure that you see yourself as part of the entire church and not just as a specialist called in to perform. After all, you aren’t more talented than others, really; it’s just that your gifts are more on display, while the gifts of others are not as visible. You are still called to serve others, and often that doesn’t have anything to do with your music.

If you’re not a musician, don’t let one bad encounter spoil your impression of artists. Accept them into your circle, even if they see life differently than you do. Musicians and other artists can help us interpret what God is saying to us, and help us get in touch with the emotional part of our lives that God created for His glory.

BOTTOM LINE

The church needs worship leaders who serve. It also needs the body of Christ to embrace the artists among us.

Moment of Strength: Exodus 35:30-35