Sometimes, I find life lessons in interesting, yet unremarkable, events.
The church where I serve is appointed like a traditional Baptist church. Very high ceilings, pews, and other features that, while esthetically pleasing, can add up to an acoustical nightmare.
My church’s praise band and I have struggled with our monitor mix for some time for a variety of reasons. One particular issue has been the old digital piano battling with our rhythm guitar. Neither player could hear their own instrument, much less everyone else. As a keyboardist, I always liked using headphones, and I thought this would work in our situation. We implemented the change, and everyone was very surprised how well it worked.
I realized that changing a small thing like a monitor made a world of difference. We went through a number of steps to get there:
1. Recognize the problem.
We had to be honest about what was lacking.
We had to be honest about what was lacking.
2. Be willing to make a change.
Our keyboard player had to make a sacrifice in order for improvement to take place.
3. Accept skepticism.
Admittedly, none of us knew if, or how well, it would work (myself included).
4. Get help if needed.
I turned to my trusted sales rep at my favorite equipment supply outlet to recommend solutions.
5. Pay the price.
It cost a little money to get what we needed.
6. Commit.
I ordered the equipment, set it up on the stage, and showed our keyboardist how to work it. Then we rehearsed. Success!
Our process can be used to make changes in our lives.
1. We get convicted of sin, either by reading our Bibles, hearing a sermon, a word from someone we know, or by other means. The Holy Spirit may use any number of means to point out areas of our lives that don’t line up with the will of God. And if we desire a right relationship with God, we’ll be willing to submit.
2. “Repent” means to turn away. It isn’t enough to be sorry. We must be willing to “turn from our wicked ways.”
3. Some may question whether or not you need to make a change, or if your desire to change is genuine. No one can be your Holy Spirit except Him.
4. Seek Godly counsel if you are unsure what you should do. The Bible tells us it is wise to accept Godly advice (Proverbs 13:10).
5. Sacrifice will be necessary.
6. No looking back. Conviction is a call to action. It requires a commitment.
However, there is a HUGE difference between these two scenarios: when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and we allow Him to work within us as we submit to the changes God desires, the result is ALWAYS POSITIVE!
God is the ultimate architect of change. And He’s always right.
Not a Camouflaged Soul 