Do you think the non-Christian world out there believes the church has anything to offer in the way of arts? Are we seen as music leaders in our community? Interesting question.
I know some would say that we shouldn't care what the secular world thinks of the talents that God's given us because they aren't for them. That's partly true. But I also know that Psalm 40 says that the world will see and hear the new song of praise that God has put in our mouths and many will trust in the Lord. Sounds like God intends for the world to hear our song of praise.
Prodigal Jon had an interesting post on this subject. He said ...
At the heart of it, the reason the church is not known as being a global leader in creativity and excellence is pretty simple. We missed God's love letter to artists.I agree with John. I think God deserves the best we have and dare I say even more. We, as artists, should strive to be better...
Derick Johnson (a respected musician in the secular world who is a Christian) was speaking to a group of church music leaders one day and he was challenging the group to be excellent in their talent - that there's nothing wrong with wanting to be great at what we do. In fact the Lord deserves it and the world should see it. He was being very carful to say that excellence alone isn't the point and will fall very short. It's when the passion for our God meets the precision of our talent - that can communicate in ways that a passionate heart but a half-hearted effort cannot.
We are all commanded to make a joyful noise. Hebrews 13:15 says
Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name.It is on all of us as Christians to sing praise as the fruit of our lips, but those who have been given a talent or are gifted in the arts I think are responsible to God and to the world who will see us to offer the best we have and to strive to be better in our skill.
I always heard growing up, "Why should the world have the best music?" Hum ... should they?
Excellence in our presentation of the gospel, especially in music and song is imperative. We serve an excellent God and we must do everything we do with excellence. Great post!
Feel free to visit my website;
http://musicforpraiseandworship.com
Blessings,