There is always a stirring in the gospel scene when announcements are made that music awards have been launched.
For some, the stirring is one of annoyance and yet for others – particularly those who are staging the event – it’s of excitement, as they believe they are advancing the cause of gospel music and the artists they are recognizing.
Born again Gospel rapper Manzi Daniel sparked off a heated debate this week when he asked his fans why gospel music awards or accolades make sense. “What is the essence of awarding gospel artists?” He asked.
According to the rapper, if this act is fit, “should we also nominate and vote for the best serving Pastor or Preacher of the year?”
“Why [should] a ‘Gospel’ servant doing all they do for God’s glory feel out competed. I myself have voted and campaigned for some servants before but, I got to think of it and, I have this conviction that there is something not right about it!” Manzi said.
Adding: “When a Gospel servant says; its unfortunate we (me and my fans) didn’t win. It signals two disturbing and questionable points; One, is that the targeted reward is the accolade and since the servant and his fans didn’t win it, that makes them less fortunate. Two, the fans have their eyes on the servant competing with other servants for the accolade instead of all the attention and focus being on God whom they serve.”
Manzi emphasizes that this results into a temptation of one trying to fit in, being admired and accepted by people not God.
“I can’t agree more than that! they (artistes) only will flood your inbox with “pleadings” to vote them to win a certain accolade…. and after that they say “i thank God for…” I’ve learnt to distance myself away from the name “Gospel artistes. ” I would rather be a “minister”. Thank you once again, I pray our “Family” can wake up form sleep!” One reader responded to Manzi.
As many sided with the rapper, genuinely, many Christians think it is pointless and even carnal (worldly) for gospel artists to participate in awards. This in other wards means that accepting an award is sin or that awarding some one for their godly contribution to society is evil?
Biblically, we cannot ignore the fact that evidence shows Christ Jesus’ awareness and acceptance of accolades given by men and God.
Scriptural references show that reward and recognition of the quality of work is a big issue.
Lets take it to daily life issues; You’ve resisted temptation to sin, time and time again. You’ve been faithful to sacrificially sow financially into the Lord’s work. You’ve poured out your time and energy into the lives of others to advance God’s Kingdom. You pray, you fast, you wash your mind with God’s Word frequently, you attend church faithfully and support those in leadership, you worship Him and praise Him with everything in your being … How do the rewards of God manifest in our lives? There are several ways.
Job 34:11, Matthew 16:27 and Romans 2:6 all speak of God rewarding us with tangible and intangible things.
Job knew who he was, He knew that he had a good relationship with God, and he knew that God was good and just. He believed that God was good in spite of his circumstances – and the same measure that we use on God is the same measure that He uses on us.
It is rather important for artists to know how to respond to awards – not receiving one does not mean I have not been counted worthy.
Awards shouldn’t be the ultimate source of encouragement to a christian to keep up a good work, endorsements come from God. Awards could not take the place of God and make the artist a contestant rather than a minister.
There is an ultimate award above man-made awards. One should not put all attention on what can perish or be taken back. Don’t let this longing for an award from the industry turn into an idol state of worship.
We win souls because we don’t want them to perish. We also win souls because of the crown of glory we expect to receive in heaven. What we get here on earth is award. But what we get in heaven is reward.
Look at someone that does music that he puts enough time and resources to bring to many and, also has a good relationship with the Father… do you think he deserves a standing ovation? The Bible says your gifts will make you stand before kings and not just mere men.
Do you recall Philippians 4:8?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Awards come in various ways. If an award comes from a pure heart and for the right cause, should I turn it down?
One of the Sundays you are at church, if God blessed you through the sermon from the Pastor or the worship song led by one of the worship leaders, how would it feel if the minister rejected a financial seed you felt convicted to give them?
Awards are a way of saying thank you, we acknowledge and appreciate your effort – whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely… we do!
Would this not boost you as a minister – truthfully speaking. Jesus labored in life and through death to achieve our salvation and is duly receiving his various just rewards.
In conclusion, whether you receive or do not receive any award from the various organizers, don’t lose the vision – Philippians 3:14; I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
By Evangelist Samuel Balagadde.
