Using God’s Gifts for God’s Glory

In 2011 country music star Carrie Underwood, accompanied by the talented musician Vince Gill, took the stage at the annual Academy of Country Music Awards. There, in front of a packed audience Underwood unleashed one of the most memorable and powerful performances in CMA history. The talented young artist sang the well-known gospel hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” Perhaps you’ve heard her sing this song? Or watched the video of it online? If you haven’t, I would highly encourage you to do so. Her rendition of this classic hymn has blessed thousands and thousands of people. It has been viewed on YouTube, literally millions of times. In fact, her version is so emotionally rich and moving it is often played at funerals. It really is quite something. Underwood’s vocal range and God-given singing ability combined with the rich lyrics of the song made for an extraordinary performance.

Now, it is my belief that Underwood is a born-again believer. Not as conservative a Christian as she ought to be, as the young entertainer has publicly condoned behaviors the Bible condemns. Yet, Underwood has clearly affirmed numerous times and in several public forums her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. As such, her choice of this song was not some means to debut a new album, or sell some records (or CD’s or MP3’s or whatever people buy these days); instead, I believe her true intention was to honor her Lord and bring Him glory on that stage, which in my opinion, she certainly did.

As Underwood neared the end of her passionate performance, with her voice reaching a spectacular crescendo, the audience all took to their feet and stood there listening in relative awe. Seriously, watch the video and see if what I’m telling you isn’t true. Several people had tears running down their face, including the late singer song-writer Naomi Judd. Others in the audience shook their heads in disbelief at the performer’s incredible controlled command and vocal range. Some were singing along with Underwood. As the song drew to a close, the artist received a rousing standing ovation and it was evident everyone had witnessed something remarkable. I am not naively suggesting everyone there was a Christian and was praising God, but some were. Yet anyone with any appreciation for musical talent must concede it was a magnificent moment.

I have said all that to say this… if you watch very closely, you will notice something that should resound louder than the shouts and whistles of the captivated crowd. Another well-known performer, who was clearly stirred by Underwood’s performance shook her head in disbelief and said this, “What a voice.” Let me sort of restate that, in case you read over it too quickly. When Underwood lowered the microphone and the music stopped, the cameras spanned across the astonished audience, and you can easily read the lips of another artist who said, “What a Voice.”

Now, had I been there, I might have said the same thing. It is easy to get caught up in the moment, and not think clearly. So, what I’m about to say isn’t intended to be an overly critical response of a few spontaneous words spoken at a very emotional moment. I have certainly thought that same thing many times as I have listened to this song over and over again. However, as much as we prideful humans like accolades, including world-famous entertainers, I don’t believe this kind of response was what the performer was aiming for. While it would be silly to suggest that Underwood, or any artist, doesn’t want the approval of their peers, I want to believe the real reason she sang what she did, where she did – was to spread the Gospel and honor her Lord. I think she wanted to use her gift for God’s glory. Not for someone to say, what a voice … but to instead think and say, “What a God!” Obviously, Underwood can’t control how someone in the audience reacts, or what they might say, but I got to think her intention was for men to admire the Lord, not her. After all, the song is entitled, How Great Thou Art, not How Great am I?! Again, had I been there, I might have responded the same way as this other young lady. Yet, the true desire of the Christian in any kingdom duty we perform, should never be that men would praise us, rather that men would wander at the majesty of our Maker.

Today if you claim to be a disciple of Christ, what is your true motivation behind Christian service? Do you want to be seen of men? Do you use your spiritual gifts to obtain the praise of your peers? Are you seeking the affirmation and applause of others? Or the approval of God? What motivates you? While you cannot control what people perceive, God does indeed know the thoughts and intents of our hearts. And friends, our motives matter. That is, if we truly want God to be glorified and not ourselves.

Unfortunately, if we are honest, too readily do we seek the prestige and prominence that belongs only to the Lord. Even though Scripture warns against it (Matthew 6:1-4) lots of folks just love to cast their alms before men. Social media is brimming with individuals who seemingly can’t feed the homeless without telling the world about it. Apparently, some folks can’t give a single dime to some needy person, without posting a video of their benevolence! Too many so-called Christians love to be centerstage with the spotlight on them, rather than on Christ. This is true even of (or perhaps especially of) us preachers. Oh dear pastor, as we enter the pulpit, let us pray like the preachers of yesteryear and say, Lord hide us behind the cross, so that only Christ can be seen!

Christian, are you willing to be a nobody? To live and die and be forgotten? Could you be content as someone who is relatively unknown to much of the world, but known in heaven as a difference-maker? Candidly, my old nature loves to hear people say things like, “that was a great sermon” or “what a powerful message.” When in truth, that is just my own arrogant desire to hear, “What a voice.” Instead of this selfish behavior, each Christian should do what we do in order that men might see the beauty of the Redeemer. Christian, remember this exhortation from 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

You may not have the God-given gift to sing like Carrie Underwood, but believer; God has uniquely gifted you to further Christ’s kingdom. Maybe you can’t do what others can do, but you can, from a pure heart, use your spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the good of others!

Let me close with some of the most powerful words ever written or sung by mortal men. “And when I think, that God His Son not sparing, sent Him to die; I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How Great Thou Art!”

What a God!

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