My 13 year old daughter has the loveliest voice. She also has a very natural ear which she uses to pick out complicated harmonies. We put music on in the car and she goes to town, singing at the top of her lungs to whatever genre of music we happen to be playing. Most of the time I really enjoy this about her. Sometimes I even miss it when she’s not around and will make my own feeble attempts to replicate her ethereal additions to the familiar tunes.
Her harmonies elevate the music, not just because she is singing along to the music, but because she is adding her voice. Her notes combine with the other voices and instruments – different, yet unified in the purpose of the song.
That is the picture I see (and hear!) when I read Paul’s blessing in Romans 15:5-6.
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. “
Is It Possible?
Living in harmony with anyone is deeply challenging because we are regularly confronted by and forced to choose between our own selfish desires and the needs or wants of another. Whether we are dealing with our immediate, extended, or church family, conflict is pretty much a given. But, praise the Lord!, that is not the final word! Unity is not only desirable but possible through the patient work of the Holy Spirit.
Though we have short attention spans and stubborn hearts, the God of Endurance extends His patience and understanding to us.
Though we are discouraged by the conflict and challenges inherent in any human interaction, the God of Encouragement provides everything we need to live like Jesus among our brothers and sisters.
What does it look like?
Occasionally when my daughter sings in the car, the experience is less than pleasant. The harmonies overwhelm the melody and I have to remind her not to lose sight of the song. The harmonies are there to support and enhance, not show off or take center stage.
Romans 15:1-2 describes what harmony looks like,
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
This action of giving up our own desires for the sake of those around us, putting their needs ahead of ours, creates the harmonies that allow us to glorify God in one voice.
What can you do today to add harmony to this song of glory?
What a great picture of life in the body of Christ! Thank you, Jaime!