Major Principles:
1. Your Testimony is more important than your Talent.
2. Brokenness before God is more important than Skill.
3. Shape-ability is more important than what you know.
4. Teamwork is more important than Individualism. (We are stronger together than we are apart)
5. Cultivating Relationships is more important than self-service.
6. It’s not about me—it’s not about now. It’s all about HIM and HIM ONLY.
Could you explain this to me? if you didnt mind!
1. Your Testimony is more important than your Talent
Alot of people get hung on to how they sing, more than what they are singing about. For example, the one's that know how to sing, and they get up there, doing all these 'runs'....and trying to show off. Or you may have the ones that may have the voice, but their pride won't let them get up and sing, because they feel like people are going to look at them funny. People have to realize the reason why we sing. It's not to entertain, or not to put on a show. It's the message that's important. People do not get saved because you can sing, they get saved because the words that you sing touch them and minister to them in such a way, they decided to give their life over to Christ. That's what it's all about.
2. Brokenness before God is more important than Skill
As a musician and a director, I would prefer 100 choir member who can't sing, but are on fire for God, than to have 10 of the best singers in the world, who are focused more on themselves. It's basically an extention of the first point that was made. Singing in the choir has nothing to do with your skills or talents. It has everything to do with God. Remember that what we do is a ministry and we are here to minister to others. This also applies to musicians also.
3. Shape- ability is more important than what you know.
I would have to consult with the one that created this list about point #3. But I believe what she meant by this is that we should not have the "I know it all, you can't tell me nothing" type attitude. We should be able to allow God to 'shape' us into what he would want us to be. We should also be submissive to those in leadership positions, and as far as choirs go, allow the director to 'shape' us, for the benefit of the choir as a whole. If the director asks you to do one thing, but you arguing that you want to do it another way, because you believe that your way is better, than that can be a problem. I believe that is what is being said here, but I will double check, just to make sure.
4. Teamwork is more important than Individualism (We are stronger together than we are apart)
This kinda speaks for itself. One of the reasons why we have so many divisions in the church now is because people want to do things THEIR way. Like my friend always says, "TOO MANY CHIEFS, AND NOT ENOUGH INDIANS." Everybody wants a say in something, and when things don't go their way, all hell breaks loose. That is not of God. We need to learn how to work together, keeping in mind the 3 points that were mentioned earlier. We need to learn how not to let pride and self-centeredness get in the way of our worship. THAT'S THE TRICK OF THE ENEMY!
5. Cultivating Relationships is more important than self-service.
Again, this is another point that I must consult the editor on the specific meaning of this principle. I believe what is being said here is that we need to seek to build relationships with others, instead of us trying to be a one-man show. Get to know your fellow choir members, seek to build relationships with them. Allow God to work, and you will be suprised at what may come about.
6. It's not about me -- it's not about now. It's all about
HIM and
HIM ONLY!Again, self-explanatory. We need to always remember why we sing, and who we are singing to / for. Too many times, people turn singing into a contest, a competiton, and performances, where they can show off their skills. God gave you these gifts, and he has the power to take these gifts away, if you continue to abuse them.
I hope I could've been of some assistance.
God Bless,
J.J.
