Don't be afraid!

As many who know me are already aware, I am a drummer!! I love playing the drums... It makes me happy. I am passionate about music and I feel it has been one of the most consistent things in my life. That being said, I am also a man of God. First and foremost, and because of that, I must always walk in that fact. I minister in song, but I also can minister in whatever other ways that God has called me to at any given moment. We may not be able to see the effect of our obedience, but know that it makes a difference...

I will share this story. I am struggling with working at a job, when I'd much rather be doing my passion full time. I have to remind myself every day that this job is preparing me for my career, which will be tied hand-in-hand with ministry in some form. Every day, I grow a little more and I try to exercise the fruit of the spirit in my interactions. Lately, I've been anointing myself every day, saying a short prayer and hopefully allowing that prayer be effective in my life. One day, one of my students say the oil in my area and asked, "Mr. Oliver, what is that?"

Now, I have never been very overt about my values and generally keep them to myself. My students know me more for being a rock star drummer, than for being a being a "church" guy. I was initially hesitant about explaining the ritual of anointing oneself or another with oil, but after much pressing, I relented. I explained, "this is oil that I put on my head and hands every day. When I put this oil on, I say a prayer to God, asking Him to lead me in the right paths, and to help me to be patient and kind. I also ask Him to let me hear His voice and help me to make the right decisions." The children who I explained this to were fascinated, and one by one began to ask, "Mr Oliver, can you put that stuff on our heads?"

Inside, I leaped with joy and surprise, and I knew that at that moment, I must be obedient. I followed through with the task, and I believe that the effect on the children will be life-long. I hope that it has the same effect as it had on King David.

To this day, every now and then, some child will ask me to put the stuff on their head. They may not understand the significance of this, but I do, and God definitely does. I said all that to say this. I may never be a preacher in a pulpit. I may never whoop and holler, or exegete, but I can walk in love, and be obedient to The Spirit. I can exercise the fruit of the spirit and make a difference in my daily sphere of influence. I must be fearless and I must be different. I am not afraid... Are you?