This is going to be the best year yet! In years past I have always looked forward to the start of a new year. I’ve made resolutions many times and broken them just about every time. This year (and last year) have been different for me in terms of preparation for the coming year. I’ve been starting the year with a Daniel Fast and what I call a “time tithe”. The time tithe is a mix between a fast and a tithe. I give up something important to me so I can give that time back to God and see what He wants for that area of my life.
For those of you following my Acoustic Worshiper blog, you may have noticed I have been silent here for a little over a month since the start of the year. I’ve been devoting the first 10% (the tithe) of my year to God by not working on this blog. During that time, God has shown me that this year is going to be the best year yet! The Acoustic Worshiper blog is just one part of the vision God has given me, and I hope it serves you as an acoustic guitar player and worship leader. I also have some other things God is stirring in me to do this year, so I’m excited for sure!
So what are the applications of a “time tithe” to your role in worship? Let’s see how something like this might be useful to you.
10% > 100%
You can’t out-give God. It’s just the same with tithing on your income. Some people don’t tithe because they think they can’t afford to. My pastor always says you can’t afford NOT to tithe! A blessed 90% will go farther than a cursed 100%, since not tithing is essentially stealing from God (more on that another time). The bottom line is this: when you give God the first part of your year, you setup the rest of your year for success. From experience, I’m convinced that this is the best way to prepare for a new year.
Be the Example
As a worship leader (band members are worship leaders too), you have a responsibility to be an example to those you lead in worship. Being a worship leader is simply being a worshiper on a platform on display in front of others. What you do in private will show in public. The more time you spend in the presence of God, the better you can bring others into His presence. You know what it’s like, and you know how to get there. It’s hard to lead people to a place you’ve never been before or that you don’t go to very often. As a worshiper on stage, you should be like a seasoned tour guide taking the congregation into the presence of God, making all the necessary stops and pauses along the way. It is your job.
Sign of Surrender
During worship songs, some people put their hands up as a sign of surrender to God. Life for many of us is so fast-paced these days. I believe the most valuable thing we come in contact with every day is time. After all, “time is money”, right? Many of us burn the candle and both ends working late nights and early mornings, because there simply isn’t enough time in a day to do all we want to do (talking to myself here for sure!). When we dedicate to God the “first” part of our time, we are surrendering our will to His. We are letting go of our control of our use of time and trusting Him to show us the best way. Surrender in this area of life is a form of worship, too. If God has your schedule, there’s a good chance He already has your heart. This is a good place to be as a worshiper leading others to give their hearts to God.
What Will Your Year Be Like?
Be an example to those you lead by giving God your first and dedicating the best of your time to God. It’s never too late to start, but it’s always too soon to quit! What can you do to give God the first of your time and attention this year/month/week/day? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
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