A Life that Leads to Worship
By Kellye Carmack
I know a few people who are really good worship leaders. They don’t play the guitar or the piano. They don’t sing or write songs. They don’t stand on a stage and guide a congregation through three or four songs along with a few prayers and bible verses. These “non-musical” worship leaders point others to Christ with the words their lives. They are people who love and adore God in such a way that those around them are drawn to look at Him, to see Him and worship Him. Throughout a conversation they voice their appreciation for what God has done for them. They talk about His attributes and speak in awe of who He is. They don’t spit out pithy sayings about God’s love that are only fit for Instagram memes. They talk about Him as you would a loved one with whom you’ve have walked, known, and been close to for many years. Through their words, they lead others to worship Christ.
They also point us to Christ with their silence.
When they refrain from gossiping in a conversation or speaking critically of another. They refuse to lash out in anger when being attacked or criticized, and in doing so they point to the moment Christ was “oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). They point us to Christ’s gentleness and meekness when they are silent in the face of criticism and sharp tongues. When you share your pain and hurt with them, they sit quietly, letting you pour your heart out without responding in judgment or with an overload of advice. Their silence helps us see the gentle, loving Savior who collects all our tears in a bottle, taking note of each one (Psalm 56:8). In this way, their silence leads us to worship Christ.
They lead us in worship through their sacrifices.
They are people who regularly lay down their comfort, their resources, and their time for others. They serve in the church nursery, even though they just served two weeks ago. They give up a Saturday afternoon to help a church member move. Even when it’s hard, or it costs something, they give, they go, they serve. And they do it without complaining or expecting anything in return. When they live sacrificially, they point us to Christ and His sacrifice on the cross (Matt. 27:32-56). Their sacrifice paints a living picture of Christ laying His life down for us. The afternoon they spend serving and helping points us to the gospel. Their sacrifice leads others to worship Christ.
They lead us in worship through their love for others.
Praise and cursing cannot come from the same mouth (James 3:9-12), so “worship leaders” speak well of others. They talk about others in ways that stirs the listeners affection for the one they are talking about. They discern evidence of God’s grace in others and assume the best of them. In love, they gently rebuke and in love they look over a wrong done. They get to know others well, paying close attention to the need and desires of those around them, doing what they can to meet those needs. They find joy in watching God bless others. On earth, we see God dimly as a reflection in a mirror, and that reflection is never more clear than when brothers and sisters love one another (see 1 Cor. 14:12).Those who love well, lead others in worship as they point to the love of Christ.
Those who live lives of obedience, live lives of worship.
When we see the way they live, seeking to be in step with God and His word, we see more of Christ. And the more we see Christ, the more we worship Him. When we see people who have a deep affection for God, we are compelled to spend more time at His feet, seeking to have the same intimacy and affection. The most effective ministry you will have in your church won’t be a program or an event, but a heart that loves and follows God. Do you want to make disciples within your church? Follow Christ. Worship and adore Him, speak of His goodness when you can, learn His ways and follow them, lay your life down for the church He loves. If you want to impact your church, let them see you follow after Christ. Not in a prideful way that draws attention to yourself, but in humility and courage that draws their attention to Christ. The best thing you can do for your church is love God with all your heart, mind, and strength.
The body of Christ is full of “worship leaders,” who never step on a stage or pick up a guitar, but whose lives constantly point others to the Savior. Your church doesn’t need you to be a dynamic teacher or an amazing hostess. They need you to love God more than anything else in the world. People are drawn to something or someone when they see others delighting in that thing or person. What are your affections leading others to behold? In your church and in your ministry, how are you leading others to worship the Savior?
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Kellye is the Women’s Ministry Director for Practical Shepherding Women’s Ministry. She has an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. She served as a missionary in Western Europe for two years, helping to share the hope of Christ with women in difficult situations. Kellye met her husband, Craig, in seminary and they have been married for 8 years. She loves helping women discover the unique ways God has gifted them to serve the church.