One of the blessings that God has created for our enjoyment is music. Whether sung by happy birds, diving whales, or gifted humans, music delights our ears and nourishes our souls. I’m very grateful for this unique creation that greatly enriches our existence.
Few performances of music, however, surpass that of a full orchestra performing one of Beethoven’s magnificent symphonies. For each musician to play the right notes at the right time in concert with every other musician doing the same, yields a truly moving experience for privileged listeners.
As I reflected on this recently, I was reminded of the interaction between each instrument and its player. Although the instruments themselves are works of superb craftsmanship, until they are played by those so able, they remain silent pieces of wood and metal. Only when a musician picks one up and begins to play with skill and emotion do these pieces do what they were made for and emit the amazing sounds that please our ears.
God’s Word tells us in Romans 6:13 to offer our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness. As I mediated on what that meant, God revealed that just as a violin is a silent wooden construction until it is played by a concert violinist, so too our lives remain quiet and useless until we allow God to maximize our potential.
Imagine a Stradivarius sitting in a glass display case. Although it is beautiful to behold, the master craftsman made it to be played! Soo too, unless and until God picks us up, we fall far short of the purpose for which He made us.
Now instead of narrowly thinking of actual music, let us realize that this metaphor includes the whole range of good works that God can produce through us. The verse above calls us instruments of righteousness, or right living. Anytime we obey God and live the way He has directed, we emit His beautiful melodies. Not only our actions, but also our attitudes of compassion, humility, and the like are delightful compositions we are capable of producing in His hands.
The striking difference between musical instruments and human beings, however, is that we have freewill. An oboe or a cello has no choice to produce music or not. They can neither invite nor resist the hand of their players. Conversely, we do have that choice. We can yield ourselves to God’s skillful hand to produce the lovely music of good works or we can steadfastly reject Him and remain silent and fruitless.
In addition, God knows how to get the best music from us because He is also the One who made us. Not only did He fashion and create our physical bodies but He also made our souls and built into us capabilities of producing incredible concertos for Him. He’s gifted each of us with unique talents that we are to use, like Beethoven’s masterpieces, to glorify Him and bless others.
This last truth also helps us understand the importance of being a part of the larger orchestra that God has assembled which is His Church. Each person in God’s ensemble has different gifts to produce different pitches, sounds, and parts, all of which blend beautifully together as we allow God to direct the symphony. If we fail to participate, an instrument is missing and harmony is lost.
In a similar fashion, if we draw attention to ourselves, we blare and mar the performance. We discredit God and provoke the justified criticism of onlookers who may be contemplating joining. Imagine how crazy it would be for a clarinet to brag about its music. So too, if any good works come from us, let us credit the Musician behind our music and not the instrument itself.
As we enjoy beautiful music, may it remind us that we each are an instrument in our Father’s orchestra and to invite and yield to His will to produce the most pleasing music possible.
Enjoying the music, George