“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” [Psalm 78:72; NIV]
This verse describes both the inward and outward qualities of the life of King David, the young shepherd boy who came to be known as “the man after God’s own heart” [1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22] and “the sweet psalmist of Israel” [2 Samuel 23:1]. It is insightful also for those of us who are involved in worship music ministry, as it reflects the two major aspects of who we are and what we do: integrity of heart and skillful hands. In this online workshop we will touch briefly on these two areas separately [see links below], but first let’s summarize how they both contrast and complement one another:
Skillful hands: the pursuit of excellence (in our God-given talents & abilities)
Integrity of heart: an excellent pursuit (of the God who gave us those talents & abilities)
Skillful hands: bearing fruit above (visible results)
Integrity of heart: taking root below (invisible resources)
Skillful hands: the shaping of our hands (something we do)
Integrity of heart: the shaping of our hearts (something God does)
Skillful hands: needed for leading (organizing, administrating)
Integrity of heart: needed for shepherding (pastoring, nurturing)
What is the goal of having integrity of heart and skillful hands? “I will give them singleness of heart and action [“one heart and one way”; AMP], so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.” [Jeremiah 32:38-40] The goal is a marriage of integrity and skill that will produce “singleness of heart and action.”
For more insights on “Integrity of Heart” click here.