Jimmy recently contacted me about some worthwhile concerns. I thought the conversation was fruitful, so I decided to share (names have been changed, of course):

I’m a current worship leader who is a lifelong musician who started as a lead guitarist. However, before I got saved, I had a history of arrogance who used my skill to earn the praises of others. When I got saved I stepped away from lead guitar out of fear of my own selfishness; and began leading worship acoustically. Recently, my friend called me and asked me to play lead guitar for a night of worship at his church. While preparing for this, I found myself treading carefully out of fear that I was once again trying to show off my own talents instead of glorifying the Lord, and even tried to keep this night of worship from others a secret because I didn’t anyone to view it as “Hey lets check out Jimmy play guitar”. Do you know what I mean? I was just curious, did you ever experience anything like this? If so, what scriptures would you recommend I turn too?

My response:

Jimmy,

Thanks for reaching out. The first couple years of playing at church, which was consequently the first couple years of being born again, were the same for me. I wasn’t afraid to ask people to come to church to see me play—I wanted them to! I was young in the faith and excited; but unsure how to direct talent/passion for the glory of God. Here’s a few things to think about:

• If you’re treading carefully, that’s an amazing sign that you’re not doing this for yourself. Think about that for a minute. The fact that you even wrote me an email shows where your concern is. Praise God for that. 

• Plainly, if you don’t want people to “check out Jimmy playing guitar”, don’t give them a reason to. Read the next bullet point.

• John the Baptist said “I must decrease” (John 3:30). What can you do to “decrease?”  A few practical things:

  • Don’t play Eric Clapton licks over everything. Haha. 

  • Play the parts as they go on the record. Nothing more. 

  • If you want to add something here or there, make sure whatever you add doesn’t exceed what the original player intended in terms of how much the guitar should be heard, the style of part, intensity, etc.

• Decreasing doesn’t mean not to get excited. Worship God. Throw everything you have at giving him praise and honor. Take time to take your hands off the guitar during worship and lift them up to God. That does wonders for me; it disconnects me from instrument and directs my attention solely on God.

• Read 1 Cor. 10:31.

• Colossians 3 starts with “If you have been raised with Christ…” Continuing with that thought, all the way down in verse 17, which is still logically connected to verse 1, it says , “whatever you do, in word or deed, do in the name of the Lord Jesus.” He is Lord, brother. He owns you, me, our guitars, our pedals, all of our gear. If Jesus has redeemed you, you have no choice but to give him praise, glory and honor. The Holy Spirit inside you will direct your steps to ensure that happens. Isaiah 42:8 guarantees this.

This past weekend, I was actually in the congregation rather than playing. I was worshiping, brother. I loved it. Always do when I get that chance. I also noticed something: when I worship in the congregation—hands lifted, singing to God, eyes closed, whatever—I am NOT paying attention to any ONE person in the band, unless they 1) flub something pretty bad (the musician in me notices that) or 2) they selfishly play a flashy part that wasn’t supposed to be there. So, if you ensure to “decrease”, you will. God’s people who are there to worship him won’t notice you, brother—they’re too busy occupying themselves with God. Amen.