More Musician's Confessions- And...

Ever wonder about your heart attitude when others in your area of work, art or etc. are exalted while you seem quite a bit lower in public interest or maybe even ahem... glory?

Lots of individuals, bands and people in other art forms or fields feel the pangs of envy, jealousy, lack of acclaim.

As John the Baptist likely figured prior, Jesus, in John's own words, was so far above and beyond him he said "I am not even worthy to untie His sandals." Further as John's ministry and mission was eclipsed by the Lord, "He must increase but I must decrease." Deep humility, and indeed grasping actual reality.

How sad to fall into the trap of glory-seeking! When the focus is on self and a heaping load of insecurity-arrogance and like Peter, at the beach after Jesus' resurrection focusing more on John than God's Own call on Peter's life.

Others' mission is between them and God, not you or I nor for me to judge them according to His calling and mission in -our- life.

There were moments I had to face and repent of these things during my journey. Mainstage, side stage, coffeehouse, house shows, grocery store parking lots, on a beach, on the street or in a jail, prison or nursing home -I have done them all and have seen the love, grace and power of God's Spirit in all of these and more spaces. A servant's heart with a bit of humility opens doors, arrogance bars them or assures you'll never be invited back, you can file that as reality.

Whether multiple thousands or one shackled inmate in a max security prison, the place and impact isn't my "business" so to speak! Never was, never will be.

What the Lord gives or allows for others is HIS doing.

The idea of competition? Here is an amazing quote I just heard in a conference seminar:

"Humility equals a way of life rooted in submission to God and is demonstrated in actions that foster mutuality rather than competition." -From Dr. Dennis Edwards (my italics for emphasis)

So you see there is a practical attitude than can be practiced -not to curry favor but encourage others in THEIR gifts and callings. Then again, how many musicians and others have simply walked a bitter road of largely, discontent, bitterness and regularly blaming others for the lack of notice and opportunities? Whew.

Some lessons are learned hard, some -never.

I cannot speak for you but I need all the grace to mature I can get!!

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn