Fine Tuning!

In order for me to play my violin with the rest of our community orchestra it must be tuned. This tuning is done prior to every rehearsal and performance as well as sometimes between pieces of music. Being in tune is of the utmost importance for the music to be what it was composed to be. As I turn the pegs for each of the strings on the instrument, the E, A, D, and G strings are brought close to the proper pitch. However, my tuning is not finished. I then begin to turn the “fine tuners” at the other end of the strings to bring the instrument even closer to the perfect pitch possible. Then the fingers are ready to do their work of bringing sweet music to life.

We are God’s instruments for good in this world. It is important for our lives to be in tune. We may be involved in a lot of good things that bring benefit to others, but are we genuinely striving to “fine tune” our life by accepting and seeking GOD’S WILL to ultimately be done? (note Matthew 7:21-23) If we are not rightly seeking to carry out HIS WILL, it is possible for our good actions to be nothing but noise to His ears!

Someone has said, “‘Thy will be done’ is the keynote to which every prayer should be tuned.” [source: list of sentence sermons]

Jesus gave us that model of submission when He prayed.
“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS YOU WILL.’” (Mathew 26:39 ESV)

Three times Jesus prayed ( Matthew 26:39, 42, 44), “fine tuning” His prayer with an openness to the FATHER’S WILL. Oh, what sweet harmony was evident in that relationship.

Paul had personal desires of his own, but he also “fine tuned” his prayers with an openness to the WILL OF GOD. In his letter to the church at Rome we read…

“(9) For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you (10) ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS, asking THAT SOMEHOW BY GOD’S WILL I may now at last succeed in coming to you. (11) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -- (12) that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” ( Romans 1:9-12 ESV)

Though Paul personally longed to be with these Christians, he resigned himself to whatever the WILL OF GOD would bring about. Paul lived a life of surrender to the Lord (note Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:20-21), turning from the doors God closed ( Acts 16:6-7) and going through those He opened. ( Acts 16:8-10) A sign that Paul maintained a “fine tuned” focus for life is evident in the harmony his ministry brought into the lives of those who believed the message of Christ.

Peter exhorted…
“(1) Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (2) SO AS TO LIVE FOR THE REST OF THE TIME IN THE FLESH no longer for human passions but FOR THE WILL OF GOD.” ( 1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV)

Is GOD’S WILL the basis for living our daily lives? Let our prayer for living be “fine tuned” to earnestly seeking HIS WILL. We may have some strong personal desires, but if they push GOD’S WILL aside, our life will be out of tune. John pointed out that the world and its desires are going to pass away. However, he went on to point out that “whoever does the WILL OF GOD abides forever.” ( 1 John 2:17 ESV) “Fine tuned” to GOD’S WILL we can experience His sweet music for this life and for eternity. Properly tuned we will be ready to get our fingers moving in service to His glory.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD’S MASTERPIECE TO PLAY THROUGH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Will