As a musician at my own local church, this was a needed reminder that we are not the focus and shouldn't be aiming to be the focus. God should be getting all the glory in all that we do.
That's a really good point about the congregation's singing being the main thing that is heard. And talented musicians should not take this opportunity to show off how good they are at playing. If attention is drawn to a player, the focus is wrong.
John Piper makes some good points about how church leaders dress at Sunday services. And he was clear to stress that he was talking about leaders specifically. The problem with members of the congregation generally dressing in suits or something similar is that the poorest people in the community who maybe don't have a suit would therefore be put off coming. For me, this is the main reason why I dress down for Sunday services. I can't stand the thought of people who would want to come deciding not to because they would have to look foolish by being dressed differently from everyone else.
I found it very interesting how John Piper talks about different styles of corporate worship, some much more casual than others. I think there is a lot to be said for that.
Piper, I hope I run into you at the Capital today (Minnesota’s March for Life). I find it strange that you would be at the capital, ostensibly to influence legislators. Have you ever considered that the people who you lobby to vote prolife may be sinners? What would you do if a lawmaker saw your presence, and was thereby influenced to vote prolife WITHOUT you properly vetting them? What if they had ever sinned and hadn’t displayed contrition to the extent you’d like? Or had done a sin wherein you could ascribe an Ancient Greek name? Or had bad media coverage, continually? You’d have to immediately drop what you’re doing, claim that laws protecting life weren’t as precious as being a certain kind of person, do a nasty article about them and tell your fellow marchers-for-life they are liars, are naive and presumptuous for supporting the person. See, Piper, you are not a prolifer. Not in the slightest. I’d hate to have the lives of my grandchildren depend on your moral compass. Or anyone’s, for that matter. (PS. The chances of me seeing you are slim, because my eyes aren’t too good. Look for an old guy with a bald head, big nose, substantive mustache, 40 pounds overweight, with a cane, walking with a limp. Please do not avoid me, for we have much to discuss.)
