I record, upload, and share videos on YouTube of our Sunday worship music sets. I record my teachings and distribute them on podcasts. I have an Instagram dedicated to Bibles and books. I am writing this article that you are reading.
What would Jesus have to say about my online platforms?
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. (Matthew 23:1-7)
So here is Jesus’ word of warning for those who serve on stage and a call to caution for those who display themselves in the digital realm. And after reading this passage we can commit to 4 resolutions for creative Christians.
1. Resolved to Hate the Pride of the Heart
What was the root issue that Jesus addressed when he condemned the scribes and the Pharisees? They do all their deeds to be seen by others. They did not practice what they preached. They wanted to be seen as spiritual and successful, and they wanted the benefits that come with it.
They wore clothes to boast, they wanted priority at the feasts and in the synagogues, and they wanted to be acknowledged in the marketplace and to be esteemed for their roles. They wanted the praise of man because they loved themselves.
Dr. Michael J. Ovey summarized it well: “They do not love God, nor their neighbors, but do love prestige and position. They are proud, self-reliant and hypocritical.” God does not accept the praise from our lips if our hearts are far from him. What can we do to examine our lives and see that we are not white-washed tombs?
2. Resolved to Fight for Holiness
God has given us two tools to keep us holy and diagnose pride. First, we have His Word. It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. The Bible discerns our thoughts and intentions of our hearts. We must make sure we are doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. We must use the Sword of the Spirit to safeguard against any signs of pride and false humility.
So reflect on God’s Word, repent from your sin, and recall God’s grace and mercy. Commit to memory key verses that will help in the battle for holiness.
- God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
- Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
Second, we must seek help from others to help keep us accountable. Our family and friends are always our first at-home defense. They know us the best, will (hopefully) be honest, and should not be afraid to ask us the hard questions.
Our humility is connected to our holiness. Tell them to call out any other sins, including greed, anger, contentiousness, and purity. Give them the permission to go hard at your pride, watch your motives, and keep you in check.
3. Resolved to Strive for Humility
The way we worship in the pews should be the same when we are elevated on a platform. Sing with passion and excellence from where you are sitting in the audience. Participate by clapping and feeling free to raise your hands. Pray for those on stage while they lead. Say encouraging words and do not seek to give harsh critique.
Reflect on your feelings when you are off the stage. How does it make your heart feel when you purposefully step away for a season? How does it affect you when you are not acknowledged or commended for your service? Remember that you are not a superstar who can only serve on stage. There are other areas to serve. Take a break and serve on the sound and audio/visual team behind the scenes or in the nursery where no one sees you. Don’t make a big deal about it, but serve well.
Finally, prayer (not pride) must be your priority if there is no one else to lead and you are asked to fill in at the last minute. Pray for those around you and for the rest of the congregation. Pray for the pastor and his preaching. This is ensuring that you are still serving in the strength that God supplies.
4. Resolved to Love the Lord of my Life
Finally, love God more than you love yourself. Seek the praise that comes from God rather than the praise from man. While you can put on a show and influence others, the Lord searches and seeks after your heart.
You must be self-aware of posturing and virtue signaling. Do not be hypocritical. Share because you genuinely care, not because you want the clicks and clout. Do not be attention-seeking, but give attention to the One who deserves it and point to his power, purposes, and promises.
Keep doing good deeds, but do everything to the glory of God. Do not seek after your own, but strive to serve others. Decrease your ego and increase the character of Christ. Long for the ultimate approval from our Heavenly Father: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”