Harmony

I hope and pray that your morning is going very well. The last couple of days I was dealing with some sort of upper respiratory condition, but thanks for your prayers and patience.

What kind of thoughts come into our minds when we think about the word “harmony”? Perhaps “accord”, “agreement”, or “unity”. I know that one of the things that come into my mind is music. Harmony occurs in music when two or more notes are played to create a new note or sound. When done right, the result is a beautiful sound. To hear how different instruments play different notes that make up one big sound is truly impressive; of course, the same would be true for a choir singing in harmony. The catch, or course, is for everyone to do play or sing their own part well.

Romans 15:1-13 has two key verses that tie this passage up and puts our Christian faith into perspective: 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of harmony among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6).

The Apostle Paul, as he was giving words of advice and direction as to how the church should conduct herself, emphasized the whole idea of living in harmony with one another as we are in harmony with Christ Jesus. When in perfect harmony, the church of the Lord can be a place of worship, fellowship, restoration, and growth. As in music, no one note is identical to the next and yet, when played together they create a harmony. In the same way, when we find our place in church and we play our part well, an atmosphere of love, peace, joy, and service is created.

The result of this attitude and atmosphere of harmony in the church, according to the Apostle Paul, is that with one heart and voice we may glorify God. What a great thing that every church lived and served in harmony with God and one another.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to play my part in church and to play it with all of my heart knowing that if I endure, I will join others in glorifying your name. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

By grace alone,
Pastor David