The Bible tells us that God exalts the humble. Worship leaders, always standing in front of the people every time a worship service is held, often battle against pride in pursuit of humility. Many worship leaders won't like to admit this, but being in front of the people often and leading them in singing unto the Lord is a ministry that tempts one to grow proud.
After all, being onstage holding the microphone, coupled with people's praises, is quite tempting, isn't it?
Are you a worship leader, or a pastor, or simply a church member who wants to watch out for your brothers and sisters serving as worship leaders in the church? Here are some ways a worship leader grows proud.
1. Worship Leaders Grow Proud When They Begin Focusing on Their Voice, Skill, or Talents
There's nothing wrong with a worship leader honing his craft and improving his voice and singing skills with practice. But there surely is something wrong when the worship leader focuses on his singing performance instead of God's presence while worshipping.
When worship leaders become more concerned about leading or singing than worshipping, the focus turns to the self, not to God.
2. Worship Leaders Grow Proud When They Long for People's Praises
Worship leaders sing in front because they worship God. They perform for an audience of One: God alone. No matter how the congregation responds, a worship leader simply worships the Lord. But if the worship leader longs to hear praises, there's going to be trouble.
There's nothing wrong with asking for feedback regarding how one can improve, but there's something wrong when a worship leader longs to hear (or see) praises or compliments about his singing and leading. Our goal isn't to reap praises but to praise God who made us and saved us.
3. Worship Leaders Grow Proud When They Think They Can Do It Better Than Others
Have you ever seen a worship leader try to mimic another worship leader, even trying to do a better impersonation than the original? I know the idea sounds ridiculous, but that's the point: Proud worship leaders will have a tendency to think that they can do better than other worship leaders.
When a worship leader starts evaluating other's song leading or worship leading, and then engages in competitive thinking that says "I can surpass that" or "I can do better than that," pride will really creep in.
A Stern Reminder
Friends, we must keep in mind that Satan was once an angel named Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:13 gives us clues that he was primarily involved in the worship of God, but because of his pride resulting from his beauty, he sinned and was cast out of heaven.
"Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you." (Ezekiel 28:17)
We need to guard our hearts from pride.
Watch Out for Your Worship Leaders
My friends, all worship leaders are merely humans who need grace. All of us need prayer, timely reminders, and a little rebuke during times when our heads start floating with pride. I pray that we would all look out for one another, and help each other live lives worthy of the cross of Christ.
