If Only I Had A Better One?

If only I had a better life! If only I lived in a better place! If only I had grown up during a better era! If only…! On and on the list goes as some think of what could become of their life “if only” something about it were different.

The story has been told of a great violinist who was advertised to perform on a violin worth several thousand dollars. The night of the performance the theater was packed with many curious people eager to hear such an expensive instrument played. Silence fell upon the audience as the violinist stepped on stage and played very beautifully. However, to the shock of the crowd he then threw the violin to the floor and began stomping on it, crushing it to pieces before walking off the stage. As the people looked at one another with astonishment, the manager came out and explained that the violinist had not just played and then destroyed an expensive violin, but instead performed on one worth only 20 dollars. The great violinist would now return to the stage and play the one worth several thousand dollars. When he did, few people were able to tell the difference. What was realized was that it was not necessarily the violin, but the violinist that makes the music. In the MASTER’S HANDS even a 20 dollar violin can make good music.

As we consider the usefulness of our own life, first consider the life of Paul. Would he have been of more use “if only” he had not faced so many challenges? Remember, it was because of a “bodily ailment” he found himself with the opportunity to share the gospel to those at Galatia. ( Galatians 4:13) Then it appears to have been his imprisonment at Rome that eventually provided the opportunity to share the Gospel with others there which included some of Caesar’s own household. ( Philippians 4:22) When Paul’s life was in his own hands he was found to be persecuting the church. It was when his life was placed completely in the HANDS OF JESUS that the sweet music of salvation spread to others.

Note Paul’s attitude expressed in his letter to the church at Philippi.
“(12) I want you to know, brothers, that WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME HAS REALLY SERVED TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL, (13) so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. (14) And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” ( Philippians 1:12-14 ESV)

In the last chapter of this letter Paul went on to also state…
“(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I HAVE LEARNED IN WHATEVER SITUATION I AM TO BE CONTENT. (12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” ( Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)

Paul did not waste his energy bemoaning “if only”, but recognized His usefulness in the MASTER’S HANDS wherever he was regardless of the circumstances. Let us bear in mind that it is not so much what we have or where we are, but rather WHO we have allowed to be the MASTER of our life that makes the difference. As we surrender our life more fully to the Lord and His work, IN HIS HANDS our life can make good music.

Have a great day BEING AN INSTRUMENT OF THE GOSPEL IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD!
Carl

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