At church last sunday I remember being frustrated with the worship. All the instruments were quiet, but the vocals were loud. And there wasn't really any energy on stage, it looked to me like they were playing as if they were being paid to do it, but didn't want to. They're all quite talented, but none of them look like they really want to be there.
As I was stirring in my frustration at this (a megachurch can surely do better), I heard a man in front of me singing pretty loudly. He wasn't a bad singer, but it was clear that music/singing isn't something he often participates in. Something about his okay voice sounded beautiful to me. I pictured him as someone with a desk job of some sort. To see him unashamedly crying out with his voice, contributing to the choir of christ followers in making a joyful noise, just reminded me of the whole point of worship.
How many times and and how many ways to I need to learn this lesson before I finally get it!!
Sure, all of my original criticisms could bring people to a state of worship "better", but in the end it's all about the heart of the worshipper. You don't need a perfectly mixed sound setup for worship (otherwise how have people been worshipping before sound technology starting coming about?), you need a heart willing to offer everything to God, including your okay voice.
