Called or Wanna Be
As I listen to the performance of many aspiring singers, songwriters and musicians, I have noticed the lack of dedication. It makes me wonder if they are "Called" or a "Wanna Be." Let me clarify. When one is called to be a musician, songwriter, etc., especially as a Christian he should be the best at what thhe do. Therefore the individual will practice, study and sharpen his skills and know the craft as the scripture clearly states in: Psalms 33:3, "Sing unto Him a new song, play skilfully with a loud noise. I Chronicles 15:22, and 2 Tim. 2:5. We often hear the message, "bring your first fruits to the Lord" (Malachi 1-3) in regards to giving monetarily, but I suggest that we in the creative field look as this in regards to our gifts and talents. We say we want to glorify God, but does it really glorify him if we are not giving our best by being unprepared, self-satisfied, and unwilling to grow and improve the gift. Taking this calling lightly seems to rob God. As we study the scriptures we find the Levites were skilled and trained musicians I Chronicles 25:6,7. To be proficient and skilled at your craft will cost you something, usually years of study and practice. In 2 Samuel 24:24 David refused to bring an offering to the Lord that cost him nothing. The problem in many churches, as well as in Christian music, is that we find unskilled and untrained singers, musicians, and leaders thus resulting in mediocrity in worship and performances.
The lack of skill causes one to be in bondage to his instrument or voice, limited in style and idiom of expression. Whereas the skilled can bring beauty, excellence and freedom of expression. Skill also brings a confidence that no matter what musical challenge is set before the musician or the singer they can handle it. This mediocrity takes place when the "Wanna Be's" and the unskilled are allowed to participate all for the sake of building a music program and unqualified persons are placed in music leadership positions. To restore the excellence and beauty in worship and praise there must be a standard set for musicians and singers, and we must not be afraid to speak the truth in love because it may offend. There must be a willingness to train and be trained. The "Wanna Be's" do not have a desire to become proficient at the craft, they are sparrows wanting to soar with eagles. They may have the heart but not the gift or the calling or the commitment to follow through and usually refuse to walk in the calling and the gifting God has given them. The "Wanna Be's" make it difficult for the "Called" to flourish in their gift because the "Wanna Be's" are intimidated. The "Called” may feel they have done something wrong, or may have been told something to the effect, " you're too polished, too professional, or you're bringing attention to yourself", thus bringing their skill to a mediocre level. When the "Called" understands the calling and the gift, they realize the intimidation is not their fault. It is not found in the scriptures where the sovereignty of God releases us from the responsibility of artistic discipline.
If God has "Called" you to be a musician, singer, etc. you should do your best. Understanding artistic skill is a lifetime pursuit just like your walk with God. The key is balancing the given gift and the relationship with the Giver. I believe Christian music would be on a higher level if singers, musicians, song writers and worship leaders would take the time to study and practice their craft thus raising the standard and the quality of music for our Great and Mighty God.
ref. The Restoration of the Worship of the Psalms Living Word Bible College 1985
Ray L. Baker / Producer Copyright 1998
The lack of skill causes one to be in bondage to his instrument or voice, limited in style and idiom of expression. Whereas the skilled can bring beauty, excellence and freedom of expression. Skill also brings a confidence that no matter what musical challenge is set before the musician or the singer they can handle it. This mediocrity takes place when the "Wanna Be's" and the unskilled are allowed to participate all for the sake of building a music program and unqualified persons are placed in music leadership positions. To restore the excellence and beauty in worship and praise there must be a standard set for musicians and singers, and we must not be afraid to speak the truth in love because it may offend. There must be a willingness to train and be trained. The "Wanna Be's" do not have a desire to become proficient at the craft, they are sparrows wanting to soar with eagles. They may have the heart but not the gift or the calling or the commitment to follow through and usually refuse to walk in the calling and the gifting God has given them. The "Wanna Be's" make it difficult for the "Called" to flourish in their gift because the "Wanna Be's" are intimidated. The "Called” may feel they have done something wrong, or may have been told something to the effect, " you're too polished, too professional, or you're bringing attention to yourself", thus bringing their skill to a mediocre level. When the "Called" understands the calling and the gift, they realize the intimidation is not their fault. It is not found in the scriptures where the sovereignty of God releases us from the responsibility of artistic discipline.
If God has "Called" you to be a musician, singer, etc. you should do your best. Understanding artistic skill is a lifetime pursuit just like your walk with God. The key is balancing the given gift and the relationship with the Giver. I believe Christian music would be on a higher level if singers, musicians, song writers and worship leaders would take the time to study and practice their craft thus raising the standard and the quality of music for our Great and Mighty God.
ref. The Restoration of the Worship of the Psalms Living Word Bible College 1985
Ray L. Baker / Producer Copyright 1998