Jason Bedell Online

"As John 4:23 says, Its time, as worshipers of God, to give him all we have. For when he is exalted, everything about me is decreased. So many times we stand in the way of really stepping into the secret place of worship with God. Just abandon tradition and the "expected" ways of Praise & Worship and get lost in the holy of holies with the sole intention of blessing the Father’s heart." -Jessica Leah Springer

Lesson #3: Worship Needs to Be Excellent
Now I know the last post talked about how worship is not just music. But... let's take a look at the music end for a moment- It's confession time. I can't stand most "Christian" bands. They drive me nuts. I find that many times the musicianship is given less than it's fair shake to instead focus on Jesus, which is the point... but does Jesus want crap music? No way.

I think it's completely unfair to God to get a band together and offer half done music with words pointed to Him. He wants our best. He deserves our best. And- what I see from many Christian bands is not their "best" when it comes to refining their craft. So, it's put a bad taste in my mouth for years towards "Christian" music. I don't think a big chunk of it strives for excellence.

But, I believe excellence is when our heart, talent, and soul meet in this beautiful collision. I would rather have (on a scale of 1-10) a level 6 guitarist with a 10 rating when it comes to love for God- over an amazing, puts Jimi Hendrix to shame, guitarist who is only as deep as a puddle in their relationship with God. I believe God sees that as excellence.

It's a fine line. There comes a place where leaders have to judge & look at musicianship while at the same time assessing their heart for God in the midst of worship. Walking with excellence in the church can be difficult. Sometimes the pool of musicians isn't what you would dream of, maybe the songs are too difficult to learn, or the style you want isn't the style you can create with what you've got... I don't envy any leader who is facing those hurdles. The task is daunting, but churches across America are getting it done and doing a pretty fantastic job of allowing God to bring the right people to lead and move their people.

But how does excellence in worship work for the worshiper?

We just give it. Every part of us. Did you catch that? Every part of us. If we don't think we're the best singer or have rhythm to clap... God just wants you to give of yourself to Him. Not every person is cut out to be on stage, don't envy the people who do, it's just not your thing. It's all good. Not everyone's a clapper, hand raiser, singer, kart-wheels in the aisles, drop to your knees and weep, and the list goes on- kind of worshiper. But, do what God leads you to do in the midst of keeping with what the Bible says about worship, "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." -1 Corinthians 14:40

If it completely distracts others around you and takes away from people's worship to God, "Is it of God? would be my question... Or are you doing it to bring attention and praise to yourself? Just something to ponder.

We are to give Him our best. Our everything. And when we do that which is excellent, we'll see that we get lost (in a good way) with Him and begin to just experience the sole intention of lifting up God's name.

Next Up- "I listen to Christian Radio station ______________, and I wish we did more of the stuff I hear on their playlist, do you think we could.." my response "Nope."

J-del *over and out*