A co-worker forwarded me this link to a video of Il Divo performing “Amazing Grace”. They have great talent and performed this wonderful arrangement in a beautiful setting. But something bothered me throughout much of the performance.
I, of course, do not know any of these gentlemen, and so have no clue about what kind of relationship they have with God. That being said, what do their faces communicate as they sing? I read in their expressions sentiments like, “I love to sing,” “I need to belt out this part for better effect,” and even “Look at me; I’m so good at this.” From the bits and pieces I’ve seen of American Idol and the like, I know that performers from the no-names on up are expected to act and look a certain way during a performance. However, I didn’t see anyone who seemed amazed by grace or grateful for the chance to sing about it.
So, who cares how Il Divo or any else looks while they sing? One of the stereotypical verses some people like to quote when they feel judged by Christians is Matthew 7:1. Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (ESV) My point comes in the next verse: “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” (ESV) What do I look like when I sing about God’s truly amazing grace and love? What do you look like? Most importantly, how do we act, music or no.
Do you and I reflect God’s great grace, his overwhelming mercy, his endless love? In our faces? In our actions?
