Where Can You Go?

[BBoy]

I'm posting this to start a discussion of practical answers by seasoned musicians and MOM's. Not becasue I'm stressing out and need answers. But I think it's good to share common problems and solutions to those problems because that way the devil doesn't tell people "There's something wrong with you. You're not doing it right." He's such a liar!

So here are some questions . . . chime in with answers, or with your own questions.

When the pressures of music ministry; the criticisms, the judgements of your style (too contemporary, too traditional, you can't play like so and so), the expectations to be a tireless source of music and knowledge come crashing in to your life, where do you go?

Do you answer your critics, or do you just smile and love them, saying "Well, pray for me."

What if someone is taking advantage of you? Draining you of time and motivation without so much as a thank you? When do you speak up?

And what if you are accused of playing for money only?

Have you ever been in the middle of a church split? Have you been asked to take sides? How did you handle this situation?

Lastly, have you ever been is a situation when you felt called to support someone whom you knew was wrong?

All of these are questions that MOM's may encounter from time to time. What are your insights (support from Scripture please)

BBoy  

[4hisglory]

Wow Bboy, so many question.    I am going to have to get back to you on this one.

[JoyCH]

Bboy;

Here are some scriptures to feed the spirit.

For the critics -
(Prov. 17:14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.) Meaning - triggering an argument is like turning on a faucet, it is better to leave it closed. Ignor them.

Taken advantaged of -
2 Corith. 4:8- We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed ...... 16. Therefore, we do not lose heart, even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Playing for the church for a fee -
(2 Thess 3:10 - If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.)
A church musician is obligated to show up for rehearsal, programs and services, carry around equipment, practice for events, etc. Its the same obligations as a 9-5 job but in a different setting. Second thought, some ministers of music are like preachers - this is all that they do.

Church spliting apart-
(2 Tim. 4:2- Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.

God will not call you to support someone who is wrong.
(Prov. 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.) Especially, if they are using the word of God deceitfully (for their own purpose.) 2 Corith. 4:2
But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, nor walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscious in the sight of God. If this is the case  don't walk-run!

Joy