Making Beautiful Music Together!

After sending out the focus titled “Striking A Chord” a couple days ago, I received the following illustration via e-mail from our oldest son who preaches in Scappoose, Oregon. It relates to a subject I have dealt with before, but illustrates the point so well I thought it was worth passing on.

“At a meeting of the American Psychological Association, Jack Lipton, a psychologist at Union College, and R. Scott Builione, a graduate student at Columbia University, presented their findings on how members of the various sections of 11 major symphony orchestras perceived each other. The percussionists were viewed as insensitive, unintelligent, and hard-of-hearing, yet fun-loving. String players were seen as arrogant, stuffy, and un-athletic. The orchestra members overwhelmingly chose “loud”
as the primary adjective to describe the brass players. Woodwind players seemed to be held in the highest esteem, described as quiet and meticulous, though a bit egotistical.
“Interesting findings, to say the least! With such widely divergent personalities and perceptions, how could an orchestra ever come together to make such wonderful music? The answer is simple: regardless of how those musicians view each other, they subordinate their feelings and biases to the leadership of the conductor. Under his guidance, they play beautiful music.”
[source: Today in the Word, June 22, 1992]

When we consider the dynamic differences between abilities, personalities, and preferences within the church, we might wonder how unity and working together could ever be possible. Yet it does happen in beautiful ways. Reading through Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth their struggle to be more unified was very apparent. However, similar to musicians submitting to the leadership of the conductor in order to come together and bring forth beautiful music, we too must humbly submit to the leadership of our Lord. Under His guidance HARMONY is possible! Like the Corinthian brethren we must remember we are each one part of a bigger picture. (i.e. 1 Corinthians 2:5-9 & 12:12-26) Though there are times a musician may be featured in a symphony, for the most part each member must be willing to submit to the direction of the conductor for the sake of balance and blend.

Writing to the church at Rome Paul urged…
“(5) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to LIVE IN SUCH HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER, IN ACCORD WITH CHRIST JESUS, (6) that TOGETHER YOU MAY WITH ONE VOICE GLORIFY the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ( Romans 15:5-6 ESV)

Let us each humbly submit to the Lordship of Christ. He is the One Who can bring us together for the BLENDING of voices and lives to the glory of God and the enjoyment of one another. May we keep our eyes on Jesus as He directs us through life’s masterpiece.

Have a great day WITH JESUS AS THE MAESTRO OF YOUR LIFE!
Carl

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