College Union

So I just returned home from a Mute Math concert. I love these guys. They are more than musicians, they are inherently musical. The quality of their music and the intentionality of their show brings an unexplainable freedom to the audience. These guys are Christ-followers and many of their fans have found that their lyrics speak of a reality that is deeper than the clubs and venues where you would normally find them playing. But the thing I appreciate the most about Mute Math is their attention to what has been given to them.Rob Bell makes a very controversial statement about Christian music in his book, Velvet Elvis. He says, “It is possible for music to be labeled Christian and be terrible music. It could lack creativity and inspiration. The lyrics could be recycled clichés. That ‘Christian’ band could actually be giving Jesus a bad name because they aren’t a great band.” (Movement 3 p. 84) Now I am sure that some of you are reading this and are ready to move to the next webpage…but hang on. As rough as it may seem at first, let me ask this question. When it comes to the things that God has given us, and in this case, musical talent, are we really being faithful with it?

As a worship leader for a church, one of the biggest temptations I have is resting on the compliments of those in the congregation. “Oh, you lead us so well.” “When you sing, I always seem to get close to God.” I am thankful that God is using me to lead people into His presence. It’s an honor to stand in front of the church and lead them in worship. And the compliments do not make me feel proud…I am humbled because I know that it is only by the grace of God that I am able to be used. But for some reason, these compliments deceive me into believing that I do not need to continue sharpening my gifts as an artist and singer. My goal at this point shifts from bringing my best, to bringing what will make the people happy. And there is nothing wrong with making people happy per se. But there is definitely something wrong with being lazy with the gifts that God has given us.

The Biblical concept is stewardship. This word is often used in regards to money. However, I wonder what our worship teams would look like if we understood our roles as stewards of God-given gifts and talents. The scriptures tell us to ‘Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.’ (Psalm 33:3). Matthew 25 is the parable of a servant who did nothing with what he was given and even that was taken from him. We learn in the same passage that when you are faithful over few things, God will make you a ruler over many things.

As we talk about authentic worship particularly in the area of music, I think two words need to enter the conversation: musical responsible. I am challenged these days to not put off sharpening and working on my gifts just because people already like it. I am also challenged to not let my reasons for working on my talents simply be the coming big break. These days, I sense the Spirit of God leading me to cultivate faithfulness when it comes to my gifts and talents simply because that is what faithfulness means. I should be getting better at what I am doing for the kingdom as each year passes. Improvement and maturity should be the rule, not the exception. In the kingdom of God, there should be a huge company of humble servants like the guys in Mute Math. I encourage you to get off the computer right now, pick up your guitar, piano, your pen or whatever and get to work. For the kingdom sake. For the sake of musical responsibility and faithfulness to the gifts we have been given. Be well…

Derrick Scott III
Derrick is the campus minister at Access 218 in Jacksonville, Florida

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