Almost everyone makes New Year’s resolutions. We try to develop new habits, abilities, and skills to improve ourselves and become the people we want to be. However, by the time April rolls around, many of these resolutions are distant memories. Think of the diet plans or gym memberships that go unused when we abandon attempts at the next level of fitness.
“Level up” is not a new concept. In fact, the Bible challenges and equips us to grow, or level up, in our faith. Some people can relate to this concept from video gaming. In gaming, levelling up is when a character completes some sort of progression that unlocks new abilities or skills. It enables them to keep moving forward toward a goal. In the same way, 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) talks about our goal of godly living as we level up in our faith. As we continue reading, verses 5-7 encourage us:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness,and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
The Territorial Youth Band, Territorial Youth Chorus, and Territorial Worship Collective are meeting virtually each month on Zoom to talk about the biblical concept of levelling up.
In addition, these groups, along with other featured youth soloists performing on guitar, brass, and spoken word, are recording a devotional project called “Level Up.” The project’s goal is to provide a tool to help strengthen spiritual life and godly living.
The recording will include original compositions, as well as new recordings of hymns, gospel, jazz, spoken word and contemporary Christian music. Devotional materials written by a cross-section of officers and lay leaders throughout the Central Territory will accompany each track, offering relatable illustrations. By linking these musical selections with devotionals, aimed at modern challenges and questions, “Level Up” will help us focus on timeless solutions from God’s Word and their application today.
Alexia Luce – Territorial Worship Collective
Early in 2019, I heard a group was being formed called the Territorial Worship Collective. I was beyond excited to play with youth from across the territory by participating in a territorial praise team. This opportunity came up right after I became a leader with my corps praise team. It was a blessing from God. In my first year, I was challenged to use my gifts and welcome a place for the Lord’s presence to dwell in.
However, COVID-19 took away my second year with this group, but we found different ways to worship together and encourage one another. During this past year, we did collage videos of I’ll Raise a Hallelujah and Yes and Amen. It was fun to participate and try something new. However, we didn’t stop there. This year, the Lord provided us with the opportunity to record our music in a project called “Level Up.” I’m excited for this recording project. It will be a new experience for many of us, as not many people get this chance. I am excited to see and be part of the process, as it will challenge us as musicians to level up our skills. I am even more excited about the message of the songs that we are recording because they will help plant truth in our hearts that will help us to level up on our journey with the Lord.
As we anticipate the release of this resource later this year, ask yourself how you can respond to God’s promises as you level up in your own faith with the godly attributes listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7.
Written by Josh Turner
Territorial Contemporary Music Specialist
USA Central Territory