Preference is good, right?

Since I began leading worship one of the reoccurring issues i've faced is preference. It's easy to pick out songs and arrangements that I'm familiar with and I like, but it's harder to do the latter...... right? Preference was key to my success and also key to the stunt in my growth as a leader. 

Last class we talked about a whole bunch of incredible ideas for worship leading and worship ministry. Low and behold preference was one of the topics, but at this point my viewpoint had changed dramatically since the years past. After looking back, I saw the journey of following my own preference to laying myself down. Laying myself down..hmm.. why does that sound familiar?

^{..... "16} This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16 NIV).....

Right! It's in the bible. On a worship team it's as simple as letting someone else choose the way a song should end, or how to arrange it. It's as simple as removing yourself and allowing others to step in. Preference is a crutch that a lot of worship leaders hang on. Not only is it harmful to you personally, but to you're congregation as well. If I followed my personal preference every Sunday then I could easily stunt the guidance from the Holy Spirit when choosing songs and who wants to do that? Not me! 

Jesus constantly laid down His life for others. Since we're supposed to follow His example of living then why wouldn't I do the same? Why wouldn't I lay down my life to allow more amazing things to happen on the worship team, in the Church, and in His Kingdom. 

^"21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21 NIV)

Dear Lord, allow me to follow in Your footsteps in order to become more and more like You each day, so that I can lay myself down for others and move my preferences aside. 

Amen.