Are You Worthy?

In the past few months, my husband and I have performed at several churches of various denominations and in several different states. While doing the sound check at one church, the music director asked us a number of questions, one of which stuck out in particular: “Are you worthy of standing on God’s holy ground?” In other words, were we worthy of standing in their pulpit?

I cast a quick glance to my husband and thought to myself, “Is this a joke? Did this guy not do his homework and check us out before agreeing to meet with us? Did he not listen to our CDs or look over our websites? Is it just me, or is this whole discussion a little awkward?”

I immediately found myself fascinated by the idea of one mere human being asking another mere human being about worthiness for the purpose of standing on the pulpit in God’s name, and I left the interview conflicted and surprised by my inability to quickly articulate a reasonable answer to the question. Unfortunately, the enemy was prowling around like a lion and immediately began challenging my value and worth.  Am I worthy?

Three days later (no accident there, I’m sure), I came to the answer. By my own account, no, I am not worthy. No one is. But I am saved, and by God’s grace I am a co-heir to the throne and the daughter of the most high King, and by His account I am deemed worthy.

This was a great lesson for me and reminded me to respect a church’s need to ensure that the musical guests be vetted in terms of faith and salvation. But more importantly, this lesson reminded me to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for a reason for the hope I have.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:14-16 (NIV)