Why the contest?
Well, another morning perusing the message boards, and I have to bring this up…
When it comes to gospel music discussion, we are inundated with “Who’s the best?”" or “Who’s the highest(or lowest)?” or similar questions of superlatives.
I understand why this is important to many of us…we are a society that thrives on love of competition, and accomplishment. We always want to go our furthest, and be our best in whatever we pursue. Of course, in things like sports, or performing gospel music, many of us know we can’t do it as well as people who do those things for a living, so, because of the above, we tend to live vicariously through our favorite such people…and have contests between them and the others in their respective fields as to who is the “best”.
But in gospel music, does that really matter? Are, say, the Statesmen better or more important carriers of the gospel message because they are more likely “better” than the Stay-at-Home Quartet? Of course not. The Stay-at-Home Quartet may be reaching people the Statesmen can’t possibly reach…and they may be meeting the needs of the people they serve much better than even the Statesmen would. Then, again, they might not! But there is a place for everyone in the Kingdom…and we all have our own jobs to do.
The Statesmen touched many in the Kingdom…and I dare say the world is a better place because they sang songs of praise to God in the way they did. And even as one who is DEFINITELY not a fan of theirs, so were the Happy Goodmans! All these artists did their best, and no doubt touched somebody, or they wouldn’t have been around as long as they were doing what they did.
One rule I try to follow in message board dialogue…never put down someone else’s favorites!(Though I confess I’ve mindlessly broken that rule at least once!) If that artist reaches those people, they’re fulfilling their calling…so what does it matter whether or not they are the “best” in their given genre? If they reach people, they’re doing pretty good…at least good enough for the people they bless.
If I could, I would say one thing to the gospel music world regarding this constant search to determine the “best”…remember who we ultimately serve…and why. And be thankful for those who give their time and talents to contribute to the overall mission of the Kingdom of God on earth. Please?
And just relax…and enjoy it ALL.
Posted on May 25, 2006 - 08:38 PM | [0]
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