John the Baptist was a Rockstar

That dude had tons of followers everywhere he went.  People wanted to know what he had to say.  They wanted to know what he was up to, where he was going, what he had for breakfast (…I hear it was locusts).

The funny thing about John is that he didn’t really talk like a rockstar.  He was never promoting his next book.  He was never promoting his next worship album.  He was never promoting his line of camel hair cardigans.

All John did was promote his cousin…and his cousin was Jesus.

here’s some direct quotes from the rockstar himself

“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord(Jesus).’”

John 1:23

“[Jesus] must become greater; I must become less.”

John 3:30

“The Father loves the Son(Jesus) and has placed everything in his hands.”

John 3:35

Being involved in worship ministry in the North American church it can sometimes be hard to escape the label of “rockstar”.  It may not be your fault but there is generally a certain way that worship leaders are treated that can be dangerous.  It’s culture’s fault really.  But it’s also true that many worship leaders crave that kind of treatment.  And that’s a dark road to travel down.

It is very likely that you will experience points in your life when people will follow you.  They might really want to hear what you have to say.  They might think your music is amazing, or that you’re a brilliant song writer, or that you have an incredible voice.  They might say a whole lot of great things about you…

…and when they do…what are you going to say?

Because you could take those compliments served up on a silver platter of “finally someone is recognizing how hard I work” and cash them in at the emotional bank.

Ooooorrrr

You could respond in a way that gives all the glory to Jesus, like John did.  Don’t be fake about it.  EVERYONE can see through fake humility.  Practice humility.  And remind yourself that it’s all about Jesus.  Lead worship like it’s all about Jesus.  Interact with your volunteers like it’s all about Jesus.  Speak to your congregation like it’s all about Jesus.  Write songs like it’s all about Jesus.

And when you face that tension of rockstar and servant…well, you get the idea.