Some people don’t understand that there is a difference between performance and worship. The former appeals to man, the latter to God. I just read an article entitled,”The Best Choir in America”. It said, “Along with the title, the winning choir also snagged $30,000 in cash and prizes, adding to the three other awards it had picked up as it made its way through the ‘How Sweet the Sound’ competition, sponsored by Verizon Wireless”.
I wonder who would have won had God been the Judge? What does it take to truly be the best choir? By “best” I mean the most pleasing in God’s sight, not as judged by man. What God deems best and what man considers best are two different things. So what does it take for a choir to be considered best by God?
First of all, the choir would have to sing purely for the glory of God, not to please man. Motive matters to God. The only thing acceptable to Him is that which is done for His glory. Regardless of how talented a choir might be it doesn’t impress God unless it brings Him glory. The purpose of a choir is to worship God, not to please self or others. When you think of worship you should think of an audience of One. God is both the object and the audience of worship.
Second, the choir would have to do its best. God is never pleased with anything less. You don’t have to be better than someone else to please God, but you do have to give Him your best. Think about it. Are you giving God your your best when you’ve got a $500 suit at home (that you wear to weddings and funerals) and you wear a “Bass Pro Shop” tee shirt in the choir? Are you giving God your best when you yell like a commanche at ball games and then mumble through the words of a song, with a frown on your face, durning church? Are you giving God your best when you forget the words to a song and miss the notes all because you didn’t practice? The “best choir” would always do its best to be at its best for the glory of God. They might not win any awards here on earth, but they would gain God’s approval, and that’s what is important.
Thirdly, the choir members would be willing to do what is best for the choir to be at its best. Everyone can’t sing lead! You might be able to sing a certain part far better than someone else, but the choir might be best served by you singing a different part. If everyone sang the bass notes it would be a mess! Choir members who aren’t willing to do what is best for the choir ought to resign. If you do what you do just because you enjoy it or to get attention you are selfish–that’s the wrong motivation. You should have the best interest of the choir at heart.
Summed up–the best choir would be made up of members who are willing to do their best and to do what is best for the choir for the sole purpose of glorifying God. It might never win a competition, but it will please God and that’s all that matters. God deserves our best and demands out best. Give Him your best and you will be at your best. Think about it!
