As I have endeavored to increase my understanding of humility before God and others — I have thought a bit about the question of how humility is “lived” in our every moment of life. What is the “character” of humility that will be reflected in my routine of daily life and interaction with others?
I have come to believe that this is best stated in the following simple phrase;
“An attitude of Gratitude in all things”
If we embrace an ‘attitude of Gratitude’ in all of our encounters, then we model humility through our expression of appreciation to others. In so doing, we encourage them, we uphold them, and we affirm them. We posture ourselves as the gracious recipient of their efforts and grace — and we endeavor to ensure that they know that their generosity is observed.
Would that we all could model this in every encounter of every day! The impact we could make through our persistent and pervasive encouragement of others. Such would not only fulfill our Christian and righteous admonition, but would simultaneously foster such conduct in others — by way of our example.
When we applaud the ministry efforts of others we encourage, uphold, and affirm them. When the heart of the recipient is right, such encouragement simultaneously deepens our sense of humility, affirms our action, and encourages our continued pursuit. Applauding is really a fulfillment of our righteous living – and an effort that springs-forth from our heart of gratitude.
The root of the applause question is that of humility: what is the heart of the performer?
This is not something that is built, affirmed, or verified by the presence or non-presence of a round of applause. Applause itself is a good and desirable action from the heart of the church body. The heart of the performer is something that is built, encouraged, mentored, modeled, and anticipated at every level of a Christ-centered music ministry program.
When the heart of the performer is right, then such praise only deepens their sense of humility, and affirms their action. Sometimes (from my own observation), a performer that is “young” to this process will feel such a strong sense of humility before the applauding audience that it makes them uncomfortable – and they (inwardly) plead for the clapping to stop. However, this is driven more by a concern for the “perception” of humility than for the reality of it.
This is not to suggest that such performer is not sufficiently humble or right with God. This is only the suggestion that such individual is experiencing the human desire that other’s know of their posture — and they are concerned that their acceptance of applause is perceived as a prideful event. A concern for “what others might think” is as old as the human experience.
Musicians (or any performing artist) need only concern themselves with the heart of God. Ensure to their greatest extent possible that their vessel is empty of self and full of Him. And, then let God do as he will – without a concern for the human thought of others. Accept applause with humble and modest acknowledgement — and reflect it to God through the living example in all of your daily life.
This is the Christian musician’s challenge. This writer being a somewhat poor example.
Ultimately if the heart of the performer is right with God, then whether a church applauds or not is of no particular matter. The applause itself is an additional gift and an offering that grows from our shared experience.
But, squelching the urge of an audience to “spring forth with gratitude” has a very “solemnizing” effect on a church. No one is sure when it is appropriate or not — so, it becomes ritualistically – eliminated — forcing a solemn worship experience — reflective of the most stalwart of rules-centered churches of old.
God desires the honest and free expression of a grateful heart. We are free of the worldly bounds of perception and ritual, and should express ourselves freely in our gratitude and praise to God. The affirmation of fellow servants is a valued part of that experience.
Rempe Rites 