The (Not-So) Secret Diary of a Worship Leader #2
What Motivates You to Worship? Cain vs. Abel
Genesis 4
Genesis 4
Imagine that in your local church worship team there are two brothers, Cain and Abel. Sunday morning comes and Cain is playing in the band. He is a really good guitarist; in fact he has worked extremely hard to become the best guitarist in your church. He is quite sure that God will be impressed with his fantastic guitar skills and will be grateful for his worship today.
His brother Abel also plays in the band. He is the bass guitarist, and like his brother, Abel has worked very hard be the best musician he can be. He has come to church today to say thank you for everything God has done by offering his musical ability in worship to God.
During the service a prophetic word is given saying that God is very pleased with Abel's worship, but not with Cain's. Cain gets so angry that he turns on his brother Abel and kills him right there in the aisle!
Sound familiar?!!
To be honest, I can relate to Cain. Ok, so maybe I've never actually killed another member of my worship team (!) but I have to admit, there have been times when I've been jealous that God seems to be blessing someone else's worship more than mine. My competitive streak always kicks in when, like Cain, I start trying to impress God with my worship. My mind runs something like this: "God I've put in so much work to make this set list fantastic. I've been training my voice to make it sound great. I've rehearsed the band within an inch of their lives. I deserve to have you bless my worship!"
When you find yourself running into that kind of thinking, the only thing to do is to say sorry to God, stop focusing on what you're giving out and start focusing on the One you're giving to.
In Genesis 4, Cain assumed he knew what God wanted and he brought it, expecting God to be impressed. He was proud of his own achievements and jealous of his brother. His attitude stank and God was not pleased with his worship. Abel on the other hand, thought more about God than he did himself. He brought the best portions of his animals, the parts that God would later specify as the proper sacrifices for worship.
Clearly Abel had taken the time to find out what would bring God the most pleasure. His attitude was right and God blessed his worship.
Definition of worship #2: Giving your best to God in the humble recognition that he deserves far more than you'll ever be capable of giving.
Challenge #2: Spend a little time right now asking God if there's anything you can do today as an act of worship that would bring Him pleasure. It might be he'll ask you to sing him a song, but maybe he'll ask you for something entirely different. Perhaps to give some money to charity or spend time with a friend, or give up your favourite TV programme to be with God. The challenge will be for you to put to one side your pre-conceptions of how worship should be done and ask God "What can I do today that will bring you pleasure?"
I will offer up my life in spirit and truth
Pouring out the oil of love as my worship to you
In surrender I will give my every part
Lord receive the sacrifice of a broken heart
Jesus what can I give?
What can I bring?
To so faithful a friend
To so loving a king
Saviour, what can be said?
What can be sung?
As a praise of your name
For the things you have done
Oh, my words could not tell
Not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart
Lyrics by Matt Redman © 1993 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
