I'm a fan of the 2020 song, "The Blessing." So many things about it are powerful, even the repetition that some find objectionable. In the repeating of blessings, I find the blessings go deeper.
But I'm not writing about THAT blessing today.
I'm aware of the incredible blessing it is to be a worship leader. To stand in the Presence of God, in front of the People of God, and see those two connect is an indescribable blessing.
But I'm not writing about THAT blessing either.
I'd like to invite you into being a servant-leader that focuses more on being the conduit of blessing than the recipient of blessing.
What could be different if you thought of your role--vocalist, instrumentalist, artist, or technician--as one of actively blessing God (Psalm 103:1) and actively blessing people (Prov 11:25).
Some have suggested that leading worship is like being a mirror, that we should reflect what we see. But that seems too reactive to me. Our role should be more proactive--more of a thermostat and less of a thermometer.
Some have suggested we should be, well, the thermostat. But I find that too human-centered. I should not determine the spiritual temperature of the room; the Holy Spirit should. His power flows through you and me to those in the room.
The apostle Paul described it rather famously in 2 Corinthians 4:7: "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this GREAT TREASURE. This is makes it clear that our GREAT POWER is from God, not from ourselves." (emphasis added, of course)
When you and I stand before the people of God, we get to do God's work of blessing. We do the pouring, like a drink offering. But God is the One we pour out on the people. The Living Water -- Jesus Himself -- flows into and out of us as... well... jars of clay.
Now go. Bless God. Bless others.
And see if the blessing you receive isn't bigger than any you could give.