“Christian” or “Non-Christian”: Biblical evidence God wants people to play well.
This could be a seemingly heavy post and I know that some cats shut off at the mention of God, but hear me out for a minute-this could be good. I was on a journey-three years ago after dedicating my life to God after some serious life changing encounters-the easy and obvious thing for me to do was get into the regular roles like, worship leader, pastor, mission trips, or laying everything down and getting Monk-like (not Thelonious) and taking up a life of poverty and servanthood. I honestly did lay music down for a long time, especially practicing my guitar and upright bass, so I could get to the bottom of where my life was being directed. I didn’t feel a calling for anything until I realized it was to just be a musician-it didn’t have to be churched up at all. Granted, I do have some friends that are in ministry and they are amazing, but they have the calling for sure! Here is my word for all musicians, although I do think Christians run into this difficulty more than others because of the teachings in the Bible, so I am going to show you what helps me to be dedicated to my talents and continue, sans guilt. I do believe in moderation, so if anything is hindering you from being a well rounded individual you should look at your priorities and reassess.
I was reading through Psalms, that King David wrote, who was also a musician, and it hit me in all of its glory: “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.” (Psalm 33:3 NIV) This was/is so inspiring! Especially for a person like me that has a desire to improve and is now a full time student in college. This doesn’t just affect my practice time, it affects how I present myself with rehearsals, auditions, and gig material; I want to be prepared and I want to play well. The second example, “Do you see a man skilled in his work?’ ‘He will serve before Kings…” (Solomon, Proverbs 22:29 NIV) How do you get skilled with your work? You PRACTICE! Solomon says again, “What ever your hand finds to do, you must do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) So what ever you are doing: culinary arts(food, coffee, service), photography, writing, painting of any kind (even graffiti), dance, and music-do it with all your heart. Don’t be lost in obscurity or placate mediocrity. If you need one more example, go to Matthew (25:14-28) and see which cat you want to be. I honestly want the best for you and your musical/spiritual journey. Let’s play!
Thelonious Monk
St. Francis of Assisi
How cool that you would write that while I was wondering about this myself. Thanks!
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That is great David, Thanks for letting me know!
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As a pastor, one of my jobs is to get people thinking about their whole lives as sacrament (something ordinary made extraordinary by faith in God). Someone smarter than me said we look at the church (usually the building) as the destination instead of what it really is, the place where we get refueled and sent. A healthy community of faith should be like an airport. We don’t stay there all the time, but we get connected to what is next. If I’m not mistaken, that is what you are on to here.
The piece I would add is discipleship. A follower of God is discipled by others and disciples others. How are you passing on the gifts that you have given? How are you replicating those gifts in others? This happens best in community.
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Will, thank you for your insight. For the follower of God, I agree that discipleship should be key amongst believers and non-believers in the community equally. You can disciple through action, whether it be attitude, ability, encouragement or leadership.
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I’ve never read much of the Bible, but the lessons were always around in my family. I must have picked up on the verse from Ecclesiastes as some point, as it has been a guiding principle in my musical career. Love this post.
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Chuck, Solomon’s Ecclesiastes was the first book of the Bible that I read because Mingus’ tune “Ecclusiastics” changed how I felt about music. The book Ecclesiastes changed how I felt about life. It’s amazing how we are or can be moved from one place to another, by something that could seemingly be unrelated like Jazz and God… wha?
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Good words, Park. I read those scriptures about playing skillfully a while back, and it’s part of my passion for excellence. We’re called to be excellent in whatever we do. Love that.
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Nailed it — you rock! Ridiculous pun intended.
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Palm slap to forehead…
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Parker, Thanks this is inspiring and encouraging. I just wish I could find the part of me that “skillfully” applies to. I guess I just keep practicing.
My Dad always said that practice makes perfect, I didn’t realize he was wrong until after I was saved, what a relief. It’s music!
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Practice makes music! Ha! I love it!
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