Is there a musical diva in your music ministry? Not sure? Allow me to enlighten you.
A musical diva (man or woman) is someone who likes special treatment. They prefer their microphone to be the loudest and want the best songs saved for their solos because they are the best singer around (at least in their own mind). They usually breeze in late, yet expect the sound to be just right. And, they mostly leave without thanking the sound technician for working with them. Basically, everyone has to cater to them.
Now, if you’re like me, you’re thinking of someone else that this describes. Maybe you’re feeling a bit thankful that you’re not that dreadful person. But, before we start collectively patting ourselves on the back, let’s remember what the Bible says about the log in our own eye verses the speck in someone else’s. We may be surprised to find out that at one time or another we have responded as a diva to the people we’re working with.
As musicians, I think we’re all a bit guilty of this. We have a certain sound and style music that we prefer, and in our creative musical world, our way is the best way. Well, hello there, Mister or Missus Pride! And, often, we get so focused on our task of learning and performing a song that we forget about the people we are working with and how we are responding to them.
So, let’s examine ourselves shall we? Think of the last few times you have had the opportunity to sing. Did you in any way have a ‘diva air’ about you? Ephesians 4:2 says, “I therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (ESV) You have received a calling to use your musical gift for the Lord. You have been placed in the music ministry for Jesus and in this calling there is no place for musical divas.
According to Ephesians 4:2 humility, gentleness, and patience are to describe us, and we are to bear with each other in love. Therefore, combine those characteristics with a musical gift, and you will be the musician whom working with will be a pleasure. As you prepare a song for your next opportunity to sing, prepare your heart. Ask Holy Spirit to help you to minister to others with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Be a completely humble musician. Don’t be a musical diva!