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- Private over Public
Private over Public
Batsirai Chada
May 09, 2025
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into heaven’s kingdom. It is only those who persist in doing the will of my heavenly Father.
On the day of judgment many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, don’t you remember us?
Didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we cast out demons and do many miracles in your name?’ But I will have to say to them, ‘Go away from me, you lawless rebels! I’ve never been joined to you!’”
Wow. That verse hits hard, especially when you picture Jesus speaking directly to today’s worship leaders. If He were addressing us now, it might sound like this:
“Not everyone who stands on a stage and sings 'Jesus, Jesus' will enter the Kingdom. Only those who do My Father's will—the ones who live it in private, not just perform it publicly.
Many will say to Me, ‘Lord, didn’t we lead worship in packed venues? Didn’t we write songs that touched millions? Didn’t we create powerful moments in Your name?’
But I will say to them, ‘You sang about Me, but you didn’t know Me. You moved crowds but not My heart. You crafted public moments but ignored private intimacy. Depart from Me—you used My name but missed My will.’”
This isn’t condemnation; it’s sobering clarity.
God’s justice is preventative, not punitive, on this side of life.
A wake-up call. Even for me - especially for me.
Jesus isn’t against excellence, influence, or even the sacrifice we make in time and rehearsal to get us where we are—He wants authentic intimacy and obedient hearts.
“I desire obedience over sacrifice.” Obedience is when we choose a relationship with Him over results.
For modern worship leaders: Don’t confuse public ministry with private communion.
If you have fallen into this rut, it's okay. He's a whisper away, ready to help you and lead you home. His love for you has never changed.
Don't confuse your union with Him, which never changes, from your communion with Him, which can fluctuate with our emotions and habits!
You are loved. Lead people from that reality and remind yourself of that reality daily, in secret.
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