With the end of the lockdown in sight, someone asked me if we would continue to livestream our services each week, once people are allowed to return and sing?
I responded that we would, because we recognised that for many, the return to something remotely like what we remember was a long way off and also how through our new online presence, more people were connecting with services than before. Livestreaming even gives our regulars the chance (if feeling unwell etc.) to watch from home and for many of us an opportunity to listen back to messages and/or sing along with the sung worship music later in the week.
The follow up question was “Do you ever watch yourself back after a church service?"
My general answer is no, although I do skip through parts of the service to listen and sing to the music. However, on those occasions when I have watched myself back – I have noticed a couple of things:
Firstly, it’s easy to notice when you have stumbled over words or even said the wrong words.
Secondly, you get to notice all the mannerisms you didn’t know you have, from scratching your ear, or other certain gestures.
Thirdly, and the thing I think which most people struggle with, who listen or watch themselves back….is that you get to hear your own voice! My response is "Do I really sound like that!?"
In my Christian walk with Jesus, I look back and find plenty of times when I have struggled to say the right thing, or give all the credit to Jesus! When I wish I could have been more eloquent, more Bible savvy, or just have spoken more gently. Of course, there are times when I realise how I acted may have put people off hearing the Good News, or times when I was not the best witness for Jesus too.
The Bible has something to say about how we are perceived and how we are to act in certain situations. In Colossians 3:17 it says ‘And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’
So, in all the ways I act and speak, whether at the front of church or not, or in front of a camera, the way I act and speak for Jesus should not be different to times when I am in town or at home. It comes down to the condition of my heart and my daily walk with the Lord.
However, we are not to be down hearted, as this is a journey and we will not get it right all the time. The one thing we can be certain of is that Jesus wants to walk with us, lead us and guide us – even when I hear my own voice and say “Do I really sound like that!?”
The amazing thing is Jesus loves our voice and he longs to hear it….so be brave let your voice be heard!
Have a great week, Andy
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