Symphony and Harmony

There is a psalm that says “how wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in harmony.” Ps 133:1 Harmony is a beautiful thing. If you have ever heard the many instruments of a symphony playing one song you know how beautiful it can be. In fact, the word symphony comes from the word “symphoneo” which means "to agree with and to be in harmony". We have all been made to fit with a voice that was intended to blend with the rest of creation.

Now, lets go back to that symphony thought for a moment and imagine that the clarinet player had left their instrument out in the rain and it was weather damaged. As they begin to play there is a sudden un-harmonious sound that takes your attention off of the melodic piece and places it right on that instrument. Suddenly the French horn starts bellowing and you realize that someone has stuffed a t-shirt in the end and the sound is muffled. To describe it is one word you would say it was, well, hideous! What was only moments ago a beautiful classic tune has become a collision of sound that no one really appreciates.

And what about musical styles and tastes? You may like one type of sound while someone else enjoys another genre. One is not better than the other, they are simply different and appeal to different people. An audience is usually brought together around a common desire to hear a specific sound. The genre attracts a following and the following promotes the genre. Same thing happens at work and in the church. And the same thing also takes place in our cities. It’s our community and we are the symphony.

There is an amazing score beginning to be written in towns all over our country. It’s melodic, filled with tempo changes and incorporates an amazing variety of instruments. There will be solo’s and ensembles and moments when the entire orchestra plays together. And to play together we all need to be in tune!

Unity is the key element to building a harmonious community. In fact you can’t spell community without it! You and I were uniquely created, injected with divine power and purpose and given a voice to bring hope and encouragement to others and peace to our families. In order for this symphony to be wonderful and pleasant, each voice must play as it was intended, unaffected by adverse conditions and unmuffled.

What sounds are YOU making? You may be called upon to be featured in a solo or asked to lay back and blend together with the rest of the instruments. Are you willing to do what it takes to make beautiful music? You are the only one who can determine to create a harmonious sound with your voice. It’s personal. In fact look at these two words: unite and untie. The difference in coming together or falling apart start with where “I” am placed!
How wonderful and pleasant it is when we can live together in harmony!