Relevant Lives
(by Tom Lane)
Musicians and artists provide a backdrop for living and help shape the church and culture. With this influence we have an even greater responsibility to steward the talents we’re given by God for a purpose! Where we may miss it is, understanding who we are and what we’re called to in the first place. Instead of leading the way we’re often following the paths of others proven successes – and what band, artist, or musician doesn’t want success or affirmation? We are, indeed, supposed to be leading.
To know where we need to go, we must know from were we come. If we believe what we say we do about the hope and glory of our God through faith in Christ, then we have to first accept and acknowledge that the call is to Him and His will. In the days of chivalry, knights rode and fought in the name of their king. They carried his permission, authority, power and backing. Our King – “The King of Kings” – has clearly commissioned us to carry this hope filled good news gospel to the dying world we live in. Love has to be the underlying motivation! We are living modern-day priests, servants and examples, endowed with the Spirit of Almighty God. We’re not simply looking to replicate movements of the past or camp out on history; we are moving towards an end. Our King will return and again has forewarned us to watch, wait, and be prepared for His coming.
“Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Matthew 13:52
As creatively gifted Christians, we have a mandate to live, a story to tell, a role to play, a responsibility to steward and a future to look forward to and prepare for!
Our context is the community of believers of which we are a part: each serving a distinctively different purpose, according to the gifts and talents we have. Drawing out treasures from the storeroom of faith and not an empty well. The Call is not to hold up away from the world in seclusion, as creative hermits. We are to be very much involved and present within it- just not of it! We don’t worship its way or do life its way. We don’t copy; we create! Resident within us is the beauty of the One True God who made the earth and stars and the same power that raised Him from the grave.
We do have a new song to sing!
We also have a choice to aim for targets that are of human design or to fulfill a divine destiny we were made for. For many talented people this is a huge challenge, as their dreams are in contrast to what they’re called to do and often win out over God’s plan A. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with our works and expressions being promulgated to places of renown or importance. What matters is WHO does the promoting.
Chasing success at any cost will surely cost more than we ever imagined!
History proves God can make us famous in an instant if He decides to – and that He can take it all away as fast is it comes. We want to be about His business: faithful in the little, which is the fastest track to being ready for success His way.
The first question we have to answer rightly is: Who’s glory are we doing it for? Laying down our burdens and dreams at the cross of Jesus is daunting, because it usually requires having our fingers pried off of things dearest to our hearts. I’ve always loved the analogy of a wild horse being bridled. Once tamed and harnessed all of its innate strength and powers at the control and direction of the skilled rider. In our case God is the most merciful Master we could ever hope to be fully surrendered to. Once harnessed, our talents, gifts, our entire being; are now in the hands of the Supreme Archer. He can and will fire at will all of the arrows in the quiver that are ready to be fired.
Where do you want to be? What do you want to do? There’s freedom, yet immense responsibility with the Lord. We can ask what we will, but we must ask in His name. We can go wherever, but He directs the steps ultimately. We can do anything, but not all things are profitable and worthy in His eyes.
The other side of free will is consequence!
We will reap what we sow and it comes down to choosing Christ first in all things. No one can make us read and understand the road map we’ve been given in His word, but if we do seek the Wisdom of God that it contains He will miraculously open our spiritual eyes and give understanding. Because He gives gifts and doesn’t take them back, He will also allow you to “go your own way” and many do.
We live in a time when there are more resources than ever available to us, in order to improve the quality and excellence in worship, but technology and skill are not adequate substitutes for the posture of our hearts. As good as we may sound or prepared as we may be, the point of our worship is to honor the Lord with our lives, then our music and art will have a greater impact on the world we live in. If all doesn’t point and lead people to the cross of Christ then it’s in vain.
Let’s guard our hearts and minds from being lured away by our own ambitions and lead the way by serving God first with our worship.
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