Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away–cue “Star Wars” music!–I led worship! For five years! I had no idea what our leaders were thinking back then. Their thought process may have been like, “Well, there aren’t too many choices around, and Julius is crazy enough to try, so let him do it!” Whatever it was, whether they really wanted it or were just resigned to the lack of options, they asked me to lead worship.

I was around 28 years old at the time, and I had never sung in front of anyone in my entire existence. No one was too interested to hear me sing either, but I just loved worship music, and, yes, there weren’t too many worship leaders around, so I said to myself, “Lord, it’s not pastoring, but there is a need, so I am willing.”

After about five years of leading worship, one fateful day, Victory’s founding pastor Steve Murrell sat me down. “Hey, Julius,” he said, “we really need you to focus on pastoring and Victory groups.”

I got the point. 😀

Still, during those five years, I committed to worshiping God in the Music ministry with all my heart and with nothing less than my absolute best. So, because I didn’t want to sound like I was croaking my way through the songs on Sundays, I even paid for voice lessons with Ms. Sweet Plantado of The CompanY.

(I even remember singing Les Miserables’ “Stars” for my recital, and it must have truly sounded “Les Miserable!” Hey, Russell Crowe didn’t sound that good either! Still, with all sincerity, I gave it my absolute best because Colossians 3:23-24 says Jesus deserves nothing less than our very best. I am not sure if Ms. Sweet was too happy, somehow I know God was pleased.)

Are you giving your absolute best and nothing less to Jesus in whatever ministry you’re serving in today? We aren’t serving men; we are serving the One Who gave us nothing less than His absolute best. He deserves nothing less than the absolute best from us!

When Pastor Steve asked me to focus on pastoring, he opened the door to many great worship leaders who were emerging back then. Those leaders, in turn, helped raise up the worship leaders we have today. My skill may not have been at the level of Gary Oliver or Ron Kenoly–two godly men considered the Jedis of worship-leading in my galaxy far, far away!–but, in terms of worshipping “with all my heart and unto the Lord,” I can honestly say that my heart and efforts were no less than theirs. I gave Jesus my absolute best and nothing less, because that is what is due the One Who gave us His absolute best on the cross!

As you serve in the Music ministry, or whatever ministry, remember that the Lord Jesus deserves nothing less than our absolute best!

Julius Fabregas serves as the senior pastor of Victory Makati and Executive Director of Victory Worship. He is married to Eilleen and is a dad to Isa, Bea, Nica, Ella, and Elijah.