Worship Team Devotional: “Proven Character,” from “Heart of the Artist”

This is my second short devotional based on Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist, as prepared for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is based on chapter one, “Proven Character.” For my devotional based on the book’s introduction, click here!

Spiritually mature, skilled artists: Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God, was talented in the visual arts, and knew how to teach and mentor others in his craft. God chose him to work on the Tabernacle, the very place where God would make known His presence to His people, the Israelites. (See Exodus 35:30-35.) What an honor! Bezalel paints the standard: creative types in the church should strive for both artistic skill and good character.

Integrity: Who are you when no one is looking? Has hypocrisy entered your life? Does your outward image on Sunday mornings match your inner life? As a leader through your music in the church, you should set an “example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Good character is not just a requirement for pastors and teachers but for all who serve in the church. Even early church servants selected to wait tables were required to be of “good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3).

How? We build character as we persevere through trials. Romans 5:3b-4: “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” When you receive constructive criticism, when someone steps on your feelings, when you’re called to put someone else before yourself, or when you are tempted by perfectionism – these are all tests of your character. Success in these small tests breeds success when the larger trials of life come. When a person comes to believe in Christ, God sends His Spirit to mold us into the image of Christ. Evidence that you have the Spirit is that you portray the fruits of the Spirit in ever increasing measure (i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control [Galatians 5:22-23]). Having the Spirit does not mean that full character development into the image of Christ will be easy or instant; it just means it will be possible. It will involve daily dying to yourself and following Christ (Luke 9:23). It is typically slow and painful but oh so worth it!

Step 1: Taking Inventory

Ask the Holy Spirit to convict your heart of sin areas in your life. This list below can be a guide:

• Servanthood: Do you put the needs of others ahead of your own?
• Teamwork: How are you at resolving relational conflict in your life?
• Perfectionism: Do you understand the difference between excellence and perfectionism? Are you overcome with self-criticism when you make a mistake?
• Defensiveness: How do you respond to constructive criticism? Do people feel that they must walk on eggshells around you?
• Jealousy and envy: How do you react when others have more talent or success than you?
• Managing Your Emotions: Are you ever controlled by your emotions? Do people say that you’re too negative or moody?
• Sin: Are there any ongoing sins or bad habits in your life? Is there a sin that you’ve redefined as “not sin”? Have you believed the lies of the world in redefining morality?
• Spiritual Disciplines: Do you have a regular quiet time (i.e. Bible study, prayer, meditation)? How is your relationship with the Lord these days?

Step 2: Take Action

• Find an accountability partner as you move forward in addressing sin in your life. This doesn’t have to be time consuming. A quick call once a week can go a long way in motivating each other to stick to the course. But this is important! Don’t wait until tomorrow; do it now!
• Choose a verse or two to memorize to help you through temptation. Need a suggestion? Try 1 Corinthians 10:13.
• Make a plan with a specific place and time for your daily Bible study and prayer. You won’t get far in tackling temptation without these things!