Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Embarrassed (07/19/07)
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TITLE: "Pa rum pum pum pum" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Frank Salerni
07/19/07 -
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“How did we ever get them? They’re like… famous! I think they are probably my absolute most favorite Christian band!”
It was then that I discovered that the leader of the group was a personal friend of our pastor.
I hung up the phone and instantly wanted to grab a ticket, because I knew there would be a sellout crowd.
Most of my friends were musicians. As a respected drummer in my own rite there was confusion, concern, and wonderment in their minds about my decision to give my life to Christ.
“Why would you do that? You’ve got talent and charisma. You can sing and perform. You’re on the cutting edge of success. You can have most any girl you want. I just don’t get it?”
Now they are going to finely get it. This band is one of the hottest, and most talented and preaches the gospel to boot. I’m inviting everyone I know. They’ll see and hear what all the fuss is about.
It is now only a few days before the big event.
My pastor approached me and I felt nervous to say the least. I’m sure that this guy can look deep into my soul, and know my every thought. I found out later on in my Christian walk that this is quite common for a new believer. What could he possibly want from me?
“I’m told that you are a drummer, right?”
“Yeah, I’ve made my living drumming for years.” With a strong look, and half smile mischievously on my pastor’s face he continued.
“Are you any good?” he asked.
I hated to be asked this question, because I always measured myself against drummers that I knew were much better than I was, so I answered with a simple, “Ok, I guess?”
“Good, because the band that’s coming for the Christmas presentation is loosing there drummer and I told them I may have a replacement in you.”
“What, are you kidding? You don’t even know me very well, and you’ve never heard me play.”
“Well, that’s alright, because I have it on good authority that you have a servants heart, and that is what they need more that anything.”
A servant’s heart… I didn’t even know that I had a servant’s heart.
“By the way, you’ll be doing a duet with our piano player to warm up the crowd, and he wants you do a drum solo half-way thru the first number. That is going to be your audition. The band will be sitting in the front row.”
“This guy is crazy!” I thought. “You just don’t do things that way.”
He left me standing there with my mouth hanging open as he walked away.
He stopped momentarily and half-turned toward me and said, “Oh yea, by the way. I need you to bring your snare drum and a stand, so you can hum “The Little Drummer Boy” while I read some scripture to the people.”
HUM THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY… IN FRONT OF THE BAND, MY FRIENDS, IS HE NUTS? I JUST WON’T DO IT! I HAVE MY PRIDE.
It was then, in a moment, in the twinge of my heart, a pinch or a nudge by the Holy Spirit that I heard God’s voice.
“Do you have a servant’s heart? What are you willing to give up for My will to be done? Is My kingdom worth fighting for? You do have your pride, don’t you?”
This was the first time I went to war. I remember that I read in the bible that the musicians often went to battle first. I never knew it could be so painful without ever being shot in the head. Instead, I was wounded in my pride.
Years have past, and I never made the band of my dreams.
That was the beginning of a calling to serve God with my whole self. Twenty plus years later I now pastor a church, and I am still learning what it means to be a servant. God had much bigger plans for me. Most of them are out of my comfort zone. The big lesson is this.
Never let yourself be embarrassed for the gospel’s sake. God is thrilled with a servant’s heart. I’ve come to know many that have given their life to Christ. Yes, even some who saw one of my most embarrassing moments. That is truly well worth it.
Do all you do for His glory!
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