Special music groups need talent, but they also need practice. In the Lord’s work, if I had to choose between the two, I think I would choose practice. A group that practices is more likely to pray about their songs, and they are less likely to make glaring mistakes during the service. When a group has not practiced, when they do not know the words and perhaps even their parts well, it takes away from the meaning of the song. It is difficult to receive a blessing from a song that has just been “thrown together.”
The recent Summer Olympics were a great illustration of the value of practice. We love to see a competitor who has invested his life in conquering his sport. No one receives a gold medal without practicing. No one would think of entering the Olympics without practicing. No one would want to bring shame on his country by entering an event without a great deal of preparation ahead of time.
If we care so much about our own reputation and we would give only our best for our country, how can we give less than our best to God? Does He not deserve our very best? If your next music special were an Olympic event, would you feel that you were sufficiently prepared? I understand that we are not in competition with one another, but we do represent the Lord when we stand up to sing. Ask yourself, “Am I ready to represent the King of kings?” This question should motivate us to practice more rather than less.
I believe that God blesses effort, and I believe that He is pleased when we give our best to Him.
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