I have no doubt your worship will fail without this one thing.
This isn’t my idea. It’s Biblical. Before I tell you want it is, let me tell you what it’s not.
This one thing is not
- a talented worship leader
- beautiful four-part harmony
- great song selection
It doesn’t depend on your money, your talent, nor your performance, Yet, this one thing will improve your worship more than a $1,000,000 sound system or the best voices in the world.
What is it? It’s gratitude.
A Biblical Basis
Here’s how Paul put it
“15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17
It’s very Biblical to say that without gratitude, you’re not doing it right. Please understand, this is about more than putting on a feeling. It’s about being real. The only way you can have real gratitude is to have a reason to be grateful.
There is this big story that makes me grateful. I believe that I have a purpose in life. I believe that everything works together for good for me (Romans 8:28). I believe that the Universe itself is designed in such a way that the end result is to show me a kindness (Ephesians 2:5-10). I believe that the designer of the Universe is best described by everyone’s deepest longing: love (I John 4:8). And, I believe that I have a destiny, a purpose, and security. Not only that, I believe that this isn’t just for me. It’s something I get to do with others. We can do this together. It’s not lonely. It’s family. It’s not drudgery. It’s desire and longing.
If I sing beautifully in 7 different languages, and am not grateful, I am just a noise maker. If I understand all there is to know about music and lyrics, and even if believe are the words are true and could move you to tears with my voice, but if I don’t have gratitude, it’s not worth anything. If I give countless hours in prep and would sing even if it meant persecution, if I don’t have gratitude, it won’t do me any good.
What makes you grateful?
