Are You An Indifferent Priest?
Among the first words that one of our little girls learned to say were "I du va." Translation: "I love you." To us those little words meant so much. We will never forget their sound coupled with the sight of that precious little face which beamed the sentiment to us more perfectly than that little tongue could express it. If, in the wisdom of God, her organs of speech had not developed and if she were able, now, to say no more than "I du va," those imperfect syllables would still be just as meaningful to us. But, now she can do better; she can speak the words, "I love you" as clearly as I can. If through lack of interest or through laziness, she should mouth, "I du va," we would not be pleased; we would correct her.
This must be something of God's attitude toward our singing. On one hand, I am sure that our singing at best is very imperfect. Musically speaking, it is seriously defective when compared to the singing of the Angels whom God hears at will. But when our singing is sincere, when it's the very best that our voices can do to express a deeper devotion which God sees in our hearts, then I know the sound is precious in His ears. On the other hand, if we are capable of better singing than we do; if our singing reflects an attitude of laziness and indifference; if we make no effect to improve it, then the sound must be nauseating to the Father.
All Christians are priests. What other religion has ever permitted all its adherents to stand before its god? Have they not always reserved this privilege for the trained, the skilled? The masses must stand afar off. But of us it is said, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus Christ... Through him let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually." How highly we should prize this exalted position! How deeply we should feel the responsibility of serving with the greatest possible efficiency, whether it be in singing, praying, reading, or in whatever other activity. God expects no more and no better than we are able to do; He will be satisfied with no less.
-109 Frenchway; Athens, Alabama