Without a doubt, it's rather strange to think this way. The idea that getting attention is taking away glory from God is flawed. It's like saying a guy wears a ear ring, gets attention and therefore he's gay, or a tattooed person is a criminal. The point is if you don't want attention, don't even be on stage (see my other blog on Solos in Worship in 2009). Being on stage, you're going to get attention whether you like it or not.
You see, getting attention is not the problem. It's why you get the attention that matters. If we want people to respond to the gospel, we need to get their attention. If we want people to worship, we need to get their attention. Jesus got plenty of attention during His time on earth. When He healed the sick, rode on a donkey and got praises from His people, not all were too happy about what He did. The religious leaders felt He was getting too much attention and He was taking the glory away from God. Yet, Jesus always said He only glorifies the Father.
The problem with some Christians today who are stuck in their religious mindset is that when musicians/worshippers express themselves wholeheartedly to God (See some Hillsongs Youtube videos to have an idea), they are not being humble. So they better wear black, play softer so as to not stand out from the crowd. Does that really help being humble? I don't think you can find a single verse in the bible that talks about humility this way!
On the contrary, the bible is full of stories of individuals who stood out. More importantly, they stood out for the right reasons. David got all the attention in the world when he took on Goliath. I'm sure David could have proposed, "Guys, let me fight Goliath in private. Don't look at me fight, ok? If I get the attention, Jehovah God will not get the glory. Instead, it will be me. So let's have a private battle with a few referees to determine the winner." Sounds absurd, isn't it? But that's exactly how religious leaders sound like when they talk about being humble by not getting attention!
What did David do? He fought Goliath in full view of the helpless Israelites and the Philistines. And with faith and God on his side, he slew the mighty Goliath. Boy, he was the hero! He had all the attention! But this was the same guy who also said that God will deliver Israel from their enemies.
As you can see, being humble has nothing to do with avoiding attention. If anything, avoiding attention can be a form of pride. Remember Jonah who avoided attention as he did not want to reach out to the Ninevites? The point is- the reasons for getting attention is what matters. In my situation, two instruments always get crucified because these two instruments get a lot of attention. It's no coincidence that Psalms 150 talks about cymbals and stringed instruments! They are none other than the drums and electric guitar. These are on the hit list of most traditional churches so much so these churches get sophisticated cages and sound systems just to turn them down. But these instruments are not meant to be played soft only. They're meant to get a lot of attention and tear the house down! Now, that obviously doesn't go well with religious leaders who claim to be humble.
