A few years back when I used to ‘lead worship’ on stage at my home church, there was one time after a Friday night corporate worship time that my Missions Deacon gave me a big hug after the service. It was our church’s annual Missions Conference weekend, and the songs I had lead with my worship team were very well executed that evening with little noticeable mistakes, and quite simply, the Spirit really worked to convey the message that Jesus alone is the hope of the nations.

Immediately after the last song had finished and the congregation was dismissed, the Missions Deacon quickly came up to me and hugged me, thanking me for leading such a great time of singing. While I know he meant well, I tried to shrug it off, humbly thanking him for his thankfulness, and replying that I was only doing what I was called to do and that the one who had really led us all to praise God was Jesus Himself.

However, I must admit that it is in such times of musical acclaim that any musician or worship leader can slip and fall, and commit idolatry on the inside. When faced with a chance to get glory from doing well while in the spotlight, even a redeemed Christ-follower can sin and think — “That was all me! I did that! I was great, wasn’t it! ”

In situations like these, we must go to His Word and be reminded that glory is “not to us, but to [His] name” (Psalm 115:1). As Ron Owens wrote, “It matters not if the world has heard, or approves, or understands; The only applause we’re meant to seek is the applause of nail-scarred hands.”

Have you been called to serve where others tried and failed,
And with God’s help and strength your efforts have prevailed?
Touch not the glory!

Have you some special gift, some riches you can share,
Or are you called of God to intercessory prayer?
Touch not the glory!

Has god appointed you to some great noble cause,
Or put you where you hear the sound of man’s applause?
Touch not the glory!

A watching world still waits to see what can be done
Through one who touches not that which is God’s alone.
Touch not the glory, touch not the glory, touch not the glory
For it belongs to God!

Words by Erma Davison from the song, “Touch Not The Glory,” (C) 1993 Ron and Patricia Owens.

As quoted in Owens, Ron. Return to Worship: A God-centered Approach. Nashville: B&H, 1999. 54, 55.