Threat To Devotion

“The greatest threat to devotion to Christ is service for Christ.”

Oswald Chambers

I don’t know many who haven’t experienced this warning from Oswald Chambers.

I know I have.

It’s likely I’m experiencing it now.

The rhythms, routines, and habits we form around our “service” in the church, paired with us “seeing behind the curtain” every week can be caustic to our souls.

But there is an antidote.

It’s sincere, regular time spent practicing the presence of God.

David knew the importance of this as he writes, 

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.

Ps. 16:8 – 9 | NASB

Dallas Willard has famously said,

“The first and most basic thing we can and must do is to keep God before our minds…This is the fundamental secret of caring for our souls. Our part in thus practicing the presence of God is to direct and redirect our minds constantly to Him.”

If you serve on your worship team (or any team for that matter) I’d argue the most important thing you can do for the health of the ministry is to bring your healthy soul to the platform.

It’s critical that we drink from the same well we’re leading our church to.

I have a few ideas I’ll share soon about how we approach a setlist to ensure that we’re bringing the best of our hearts and the best of our craft to our time of service so that our devotion to Jesus remains steadfast.